not aware that the ring is there. Comfort and satisfaction are important for both partners if this intervention is to be successful. It is important that women have control over protecting themselves from HIV because, in some situations and cultures, they cannot insist that their male partners use condoms.
Once injectable Cabotegravir is approved for HIV treatment, it will probably soon be approved for PrEP, hopefully, this year. Not certain how long before the Dapivirine vaginal ring may be ready. But I think we can see the light at the end of the tunnel for folk who just don’t like taking pills every day.
Dr. Crawford received a B.S degree in Biology from Cornell University and a B.S. in Pharmacy from Temple University. He completed a residency in clinical pharmacy at the National Institutes of Health. He earned a doctorate in Pharmacology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, studying microbial biochemistry and genetics.
He is currently with the Division of AIDS at the National Institutes of Health. He has over 25 years of experience in HIV treatment and clinical research. This article reflects his personal views and opinions.