Cervical Inflammation and Immunity Associated With Hormonal Contraception, Pregnancy, and HIV-1 Seroconversion

Abstract

HC use, pregnancy, and young age alter cervical immunity in different ways known to increase risk of HIV, for example, through increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines or decreased levels of SLPI. Higher levels of RANTES may be one factor underlying a possible association between DMPA use and risk of HIV acquisition.