Australian researchers believe they've discovered a way to reduce the spread of HIV.
The University of Melbourne's found topical applications of oestrogen could help prevent HIV infection, by blocking entry of the virus into the human penis.
HIV affects over 40 million people worldwide and is on the rise, particularly in countries where males are not circumcised.
The university's study has found applying oestrogen to the penis increases the thickness of the natural keratin layer in the skin.
Keratin on skin acts as a barrier to viral infection, so increasing the keratin layer could prevent HIV from infecting males.
Doctor Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne says the treatment is easy to use.
“By using it as a cream, it means you can use it anywhere and in any country, because you don’t need procedures and it’s not a very expensive…It’s simple and easy, and hopefully very effective.”