Abstract
Anal intercourse is a common human behavior practiced by men, women, and transgender individuals across the world. Unprotected, anal intercourse is 10–20 times more likely to result in HIV infection compared with unprotected vaginal intercourse. Because male and female condoms are not universally used consistently and correctly, there is a need for new prevention technologies such as rectal microbicides (RMs). Even as RMs are being researched and developed, there is inadequate access to safe, condom-compatible lubricant for people around the world, especially in Africa. Not only is there very poor access to appropriate lubricant, science has uncovered some concerning data about the safety of sexual lubricants. A coordinated research agenda to answer the questions we have about lube safety does not yet exist, but is critical. IRMA—International Rectal Microbicide Advocates—is a global network of more than 1,200 advocates, scientists, policy makers, and funders that has prioritized advocacy efforts around these issues. Improved access to safe, condom-compatible lubricants is possible. Safe, effective, accessible, and acceptable RMs are possible. The way forward requires ongoing, substantive, meaningful, and creative engagement between and among communities, advocates, scientists, policy makers, and funders.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
LeBlanc, MA., Pickett, J. (2014). Advocating for Rectal Microbicides and Safe Lubricants. In: Eaton, L., Kalichman, S. (eds) Biomedical Advances in HIV Prevention. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8845-3_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8845-3_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-8844-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-8845-3
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)