Topical microbicides - Current status and research considerations for adolescent girls

Background and Objectives: For sexually active adolescent girls, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) represent a significant health problem. Although condom use may be an effective intervention against STDs in this high-risk population, actual use depends on the cooperation of the male partner. Therefore, the development of female-controlled methods such as topical microbicides have been endorsed as an important option for STD prevention. Goals: This article reviews the current status of intravaginal microbicide development and discusses aspects of adolescent development that should be considered in topical microbicide research. Results: Biological development, cognitive capacities, psychosexual maturation, and the sociocultural context are key features that affect the likelihood that adolescents will adopt microbicides as a specific method of STD protection. Conclusion: Adoption of topical microbicides by adolescents will require an "adolescent friendly" perspective for topical microbicides to have a significant impact on the STD epidemic.