Women and HIV

It may come as a big surprise to some people that the World Health Organization announced in 2009 that HIV is the number one cause of death and disease among women aged 15 – 49 worldwide. The reason that it can be a surprise is that women are often not seen as at risk for HIV, and that’s a large part of the problem. Women are, in fact, not only at risk but more vulnerable to HIV than men.

Biologically women’s bodies place them at a disadvantage. A larger surface area in the vagina allows HIV more access points into the body. Women are also at a higher risk for trauma in the vagina than men on their penis, and trauma increases the risk of HIV. Women are also more likely than men to have sexually transmitted infections without experiencing any symptoms; therefore it is difficult to know whether they have an STI at any given time. The presence of an STI in the body also increases the risk of HIV. There is a higher HIV concentration in semen versus vaginal fluids, adding an additional increase risk of HIV transmission. The age of a woman also impacts the risk of HIV. Young women and girls are not yet fully developed, or during menopause older women may experience vaginal dryness and increased vaginal fragility, in both cases leading to more abrasions and a potential increase in HIV transmission.

Beyond the biology, there are numerous social reasons why women are more vulnerable to HIV. Women who have heterosexual sex can find it harder to protect themselves, needing their partner’s permission to put on a male condom. Female condoms can be less accessible, and more costly than the male condom. Gender norms continue to put women at a disadvantage. Women tend to assume the majority of care giving in their families, putting their families’ health above their own. Women experiencing violence - whether it be assault, abuse, or fear of violence – have an increased vulnerability as well. As women are often not seen as at risk, medical professionals are less likely to speak about HIV prevention or suggest testing.

Economics also play a part in HIV transmission. Women may be financially dependant on men in their relationships & marriages. The results of less financial security may be a decreased access to health care or health benefits, ability to insist on safer sex, or seek out other sources of support. These factors influence a women’s ability to care for her health and make her own decisions around her sexual health.

According to the latest (2008) WHO and UNAIDS global estimates, women comprise 50% of people living with HIV. If women aren’t told that they are at risk for HIV, taught HIV transmission & prevention, and have less access to appropriate health care…. well is it any surprise? As we enter International Women’s Day on March 8, let’s put our hands out to women all around the world.

More Information:
World Health Organization