Optimizing HIV prevention for women: A review of evidence from microbicide studies and considerations for gender-sensitive microbicide introduction

Gender-related norms and inequalities that place women and girls at risk of acquiring HIV are also likely to affect their ability to use microbicides. Published vaginal microbicide studies were reviewed to identify gender-related factors that are likely to affect microbicide acceptability, access and adherence. This paper makes recommendations on product design, trial implementation, positioning, marketing and delivery of microbicides in a way that takes into account the gender-related norms and inequalities identified in the review.