The Cervical Barrier Advancement Society (CBAS) aims to raise the profile of cervical barrier methods for pregnancy prevention and provide information about research on the potential of cervical barriers to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Advancing prevention technologies for sexual and reproductive health
A strategy symposium was held March 24-25, 2009 in Berkeley, California, to discuss the development of multi-purpose technologies to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and other common reproductive tract infections. Advocates, researchers, and clinicians came together to identify critical biomedical, social science, regulatory, programmatic, and advocacy priorities and challenges, and explore best practices for developing and implementing these new technologies. Nancy Padian from RTI presented on lessons learned from the MIRA trial in a session entitled “Deconstructing the MIRA trial: what has been learned and how might remaining questions be answered” and Marianne Callahan of CONRAD presented on “Alternative Approaches to Advancing Cervical Barriers for Pregnancy and Disease Prevention;" other experts presented on the female condom, vaccines, microbicides, vaginal rings, and other possible multi-purpose technologies for sexual and reproductive health. Click here for the full conference agenda and links to the presentations.

MIRA Diaphragm Trial Results

The Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA) trial found no statistical difference in the rate of new HIV infections between women who received the diaphragm plus lubricant along with male condoms for their partners and those in the control arm who only received male condoms. Therefore, the results do not support the addition of the diaphragm to current HIV prevention strategies. To date, condoms remain the only proven barrier method for HIV prevention. This means there is still an urgent need for continued investment and research into current and new HIV prevention methods that give women and girls the power to protect their health. Read more...

The case for female-controlled methods for HIV prevention has been well made. Women and girls need a range of options to meet their varied needs and protect their health. Therefore, advocacy and research and improving access to existing methods, like the female condom, must continue. Below is a list of articles and presentations highlighting the importance of advocating for greater attention and investment in multiple methods to meet the needs of women and girls as part of a comprehensive global response to the HIV pandemic. Read more...

Most people think of cervical barriers primarily as the diaphragm and cervical cap, but a broader definition would encompass female and male condoms, the sponge, Lea’s shield and microbicides. Cervical barriers are physical or chemical substances that prevent pregnancy and /or reduce the spread of STIs, including HIV. They do not include hormonal contraceptive methods. For more information about the range of cervical barrier methods, see Cervical Barrier Methods.

Sister Kamba works on diaphragm research in Zimbabwe