Contraception and HIV medications

By Abbey Stanford
15 March 2024
5 mins

Key points

There are particular things to consider about contraception when you live with HIV, as some types of contraception can interact with your medicine and make it less effective.
Condoms are the only form of contraception that also protect against STIs, and they are also an effective way to prevent pregnancy when used correctly.
In the UK, contraception is free. Ask about your options through your GP or at community contraceptive clinics and sexual health clinics.
‘Emergency contraception’ can prevent pregnancy after you’ve had sex.
People taking any type of HIV medicine can safely use the DMPA (Depo) injection, an IUD (copper coil), or an IUS (hormonal coil).

An information sheet about contraception for young people living with HIV.

If you’re having sex and don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to think about contraception and what would work best for you. There are also particular things to consider when you’re living with HIV, as some contraception can interact with your medicine and make it less effective.

This page also includes information about getting contraception as a teenager.

This information was put together by Chiva, in collaboration with aidsmap and supported by a ViiV Healthcare grant.

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Contraception and HIV medications

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Abbey Stanford

Editorial Consultant

Abbey is a freelance Health Editor who works on aidsmap's About HIV pages. She previously worked full time at aidsmap as an HIV Information Editor. She has also worked as a Specialist Health Editor for Bupa, creating and reviewing patient information, and at Flo Health, writing about menstrual health.