Male condoms are currently the best comprehensive prevention method. Education and prevention campaigns must be continued to optimize condom usage while also searching for alternatives. HIV prevention efforts may be more effective among certain populations if condom use and HIV are addressed together with STD and unintended pregnancy prevention. Some STD and family planning clinics are encouraging condom use for both STDs and HIV prevention with great success. 16 New physical barrier methods currently being researched include the disposable diaphragm, alternative types of cervical shields, caps and sponges and alternative types of condoms, both male and female.
New materials are also under development, including various plastics and silicone rubber.
It is also important to examine the potential for adapting current products and testing existing products for HIV prevention. As these products are already FDA approved, the testing process is not as lengthy. The development of alternative barrier methods must be a priority among private and public researchers alike. With over 50 microbicides in the research pipeline, one should be on the market by the year 2005. Advocacy groups have played a large role in increasing awareness and attention to microbicides and should continue advocating for accessible barrier methods.