New gel shows protective qualities against HIV

A recent study of tenofovir gel showed that men and women who used the product daily for one week were at a lower risk of contracting HIV through anal sex, according to research conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Researchers said that they believe the risk of becoming infected with HIV from unprotected anal sex may be 20 times greater than unprotected vaginal sex, due to the fact that the rectal lining is only one-cell thick, which allows the virus easy access to other cells.

The HIV-negative participants supplied small samples of rectal tissue after using the gel or a placebo product for one week, which were then sent to a lab and exposed to HIV to determine if the tenofovir gel protected the tissue from infection.

The researchers found that HIV was inhibited more significantly in tissue samples from participants who used tenofovir gel compared to those from participants who used the placebo gel.

Researchers said that they believe with further development, the gel product will be a viable option for many sexually active people who seek protection from HIV.

Any individual who would like to be tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases may consider using online testing services.