Please visit the Microbicides as an Alternative Solution (MAS) Web Site

http://microbicides.tentacle.net

Alternatives to condoms?

MAS (Microbicides as an Alternative Solution) is a community based group that advocates for alternative prevention methods such as microbicides that could be applied by the sexually receptive partner on their genitals before having sex. Topical microbicides are foams or creams that can be applied on the vaginal or anal lining and act as a chemical shield against conception and STD infection.

This idea is not new. The detergent, Nonoxynol-9 has been used in contraceptive devices for years, and has until recently been advocated for HIV prevention. However, studies suggest that N-9 can irritate the vaginal lining, and thereby increase susceptibility to STD infection. New compounds that are effective but less irritating are needed to help stem the epidemic of STDs and teenage pregnancy. The working group is now putting together an information packet that includes addresses and sample letters you can send to government representatives and pharmaceutical companies. Also planned is a education campaign using local newspapers and radio stations.

Help write letters to raise awareness

The purpose of the letters is to encourage our legislators and pharmaceutical companies to make the research and marketing of microbicides (and related HIV and STD prevention products) a higher priority. The links below are sample letters that you can rewrite and send to other legislators, organizations etc. Copies of letters as well as envelopes will be at La Vals for you to sign and mail. Feel free to write your own versions of letters and the names and addresses of legislators and organizations to contact. If you are interested in sending a letter(s) please contact MAS for names of legislators and pharmaceutical companies we are targeting.

Sample Letters to Raise Awareness about Microbicides

• Shala1.txt
• Hhssub1.txt
• Gmiller1.txt
• Chiron2.txt

Links to more information on alternatives to latex condoms:

• Microbicides 2000: Unclogging the Research Pipeline Anna Forbes.
• Microbicides: What Next after COL-1492? An International Roundtable Discussion HIV InSite, March 2000.
• NIAID Topical Microbicide Research Developing New Tools to Protect Women from HIV/AIDS and Other STDs
• Center for Health and Gender Equity
• Topical Microbicides: New Hope for HIV/STI Prevention [PDF 754K]
• Global Campaign for STI/HIV Prevention Alternatives for Women
• Feasible Microbicides Remain an Elusive Goal David Gilden, AmfAR, 5/00
• Microbicides - A Neglected Line of Defense Helen Epstein, AmfAR, 12/99 (Includes Table of Microbicides in Human Efficacy Trials)
• Drug Companies and the Third World: A Case Study in Neglect New York Times, 5/21/00
• Wet, Dry, Man, Woman: Heterosexuals and Anal Sex Roundtable Discussion, HIV InSite
• Beyond Male Condoms: Demanding Woman-Controlled HIV Prevention Tools by Anna Forbes

[ Home ][ Training ][ Advice ][ Research ][ Links ][ Feedback ][ Submit ][About]
[ HIV Prevention Services ][ Berkeley Free Clinic ][ Confession Box ]