Estrogen May Help Prevent HIV Infection

A recent study reveals that topical application of estrogen to the human penis could assist in the prevention of HIV infection.

Research has shown that male circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection by around 60 per cent, but a recent study suggests that the topical application of estrogen to the uncircumcised penis could induce a thickening of the keratin layer of the foreskin epidermis. "Keratin on our skin acts a barrier to viral infection. We hope to be able to enhance this protection with the use of a naturally occurring, weak estrogen," said Professor Roger Short of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences who lead the research. The number of incidents of HIV infection has risen by almost 40 percent in Australia since 1999 and effects over 40 million people worldwide.