The vaginal use of herbs/substances: an HIV transmission facilitatory factor? NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


The vaginal use of herbs/substances: an HIV transmission facilitatory factor?

AIDS Care. 1995;7(5):639-45. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96263769
Runganga AO; Kasule J; Obstetric & Gynaecology Department, University of Zimbabwe,; Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract: Heterosexual intercourse accounts for 80% of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Factors facilitating cross-infection may include sexual practices such as the vaginal use of herbs/substances to dry, contract and heat the vagina for enhancement of sexual pleasure. The behavioural-analytic study investigated the use of different types of herbs/substances used by 75 HIV positive and 76 negative sexually active females and the perceived effects of these agents. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted. 99% of all subjects admitted using herbs/substances mainly to contract (94%), dry (58%) and heat (28%) the vagina. There was no significant difference in the pattern of use of herbs and reasons given for using the agents by HIV positive and negative women. 69% of HIV negative and 80% of positive subjects had used a mean of 4 difference types of herbs and/or substances during the last 5 years. 39% negative and 25% positive subjects had experienced intra-vaginal pain and lower abdominal pains during and after sexual intercourse, laceration of the vagina and excessive vaginal secretions after using herbs. These effects were attributed to Wankie (herb or substance) in 70% of the complaints. 14 HIV positive subjects compared with 7 in the negative group had used Wankie. The role of Wankie and similar substances in transmitting HIV cross-infection requires further investigations. From the point of view of AIDS prevention, expectations of a dry and contracted vagina in sexual intercourse may reduce acceptability and use of female and male condoms.
Keywords: Administration, Intravaginal Adolescence Adult Case-Control Studies Cross-Sectional Studies Female Human HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice *Medicine, Herbal *Sex Behavior Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Vagina/PHYSIOLOGY Zimbabwe JOURNAL ARTICLEKWDadministration,intravaginaladolescenceadultcase-controlstudiescross-sectionalstudiesfemalehumanhivinfections/prevention&control/KWDtransmissionKWDknowledge,attitudes,practiceKWDmedicine,herbalKWDsexbehaviorsupport,non-uKWDsKWDgov'tvagina/physiologyzimbabwejournalarticle
961030
M96A1447

Copyright © 1996 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .