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  Fact Sheet
24
HIV and Women

This Fact Sheet explores issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and Women, including facts and figures, testing, HIV and menstruation, woman-to-woman transmission risks, heterosexual transmission risks, pregnancy, treatment, prevention, and resources for HIV positive women.

Fact Sheet #24 is one of an on-going series. Visit the catalogue of Briefing Documents and Fact Sheets.

Go to the related Briefing Document.

The Fact Sheets are created by AIDS Calgary Awareness Association

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HIV/AIDS and Women

Due to the initial prevalence of HIV and AIDS among gay men, it has taken many years for health professionals, social services, and the public in general to recognize women as a group at risk. Though steps have been taken towards ensuring appropriate programs and services, there are still many issues specific to women which require further study.

Facts and Figures on Women Living with HIV and AIDS

  1. As of June 30, 2024 women represented 12.4% of AIDS cases reported in Canada.
  2. Between 1996 and 1998, 28% of AIDS cases in Canadian women were attributed to IDU.
  3. From January 1 through June 30, 1999, adult women accounted for 24% of all adult positive HIV tests in Canada.

Women and Testing

Doctors seldom compile sexual histories and often fail to offer HIV tests to White or Asian women because these women do not fit the stereotype of a person at risk for HIV. As a result, these women were more likely to be infected without knowing it and thus enter the healthcare system only when they became ill.

The Menstrual Cycle and Viral Load

Viral load in the cervical fluid is highest during active menstruation and lowest during the week following menstruation. The level of cell-free virus (HIV virus not attached to any cell) is highest "mid-cycle," and again at menses.

Women Who Have Sex with Women

Sexual transmission of HIV from woman to woman appears to be rare, however, contact between vaginal fluids and menstrual blood and sores or cuts in the mouth or vaginal tissue can pose a risk. This risk is increased during early and late stages of HIV/AIDS, as viral load appears to increase during these stages.

Women and Heterosexual Exposure

HIV or AIDS cases are often reported as stemming from "no known risk factors", however are subsequently determined as unprotected heterosexual sex. Another concern for women is that HIV is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men due to the greater exposed surface area of the female genital tract.

HIV and Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman is found to be HIV positive, HIV medication (AZT) can be taken by the mother and by the newborn to reduce the likelihood of perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission. Unfortunately, health care budgets in less affluent countries restrict access to these medications and thus perinatal transmission is very high in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Treatment for HIV Infected Women

Treatments may be initiated later in women than in men, as viral loads - an indicator of when treatment should start - in women seem to be lower than those of men at similar stages of HIV and AIDS. Women may also be at increased risk for onset of diabetes and Nevirapine rash during treatment. Recurrent precancerous or cancerous tissue changes and vaginal lesions and infections also become more prevalent with HIV positive status

Prevention Strategies for Women

Lack of partner cooperation with condom use, poverty issues, adherence to rigid gender norms, emotional, social, or financial dependancy of women on their partners, abusive relationships, and the assumption of a partner’s monogamy can all contribute to difficulties in prevention. These problems have led to the development of social and mechanical woman-initiated methods of protection. Social interventions include community based education campaigns with training in communication and more realistic harm reduction strategies. Women-initiated mechanical barriers include female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and the potential development of chemical barriers (microbicides) which could be applied internally in women and would be undetectable by a partner.

A Guide For Positive Women

For local support information, HIV positive women in Calgary can refer to the Guide for Positive Women, available on the AIDS Calgary website (www.aidscalgary.org).

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