Fast Facts about HIV and Women
By Miriam Serrano
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Art by Tomi Chen Manriquez
Many women continue to have unprotected sex and put themselves at risk of contracting the HIV virus that can later develop into AIDS. In 1985 women in the U.S. made up 8% of the diagnosed AIDS cases. This number increased to 25% by 2005.
This disease is particularly affecting the young women of today who are in abusive relationships and forced sex situations. They are more prone to becoming infected with the HIV virus since they are more likely to participate or be involved in unprotected sex.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Services women are more likely to get HIV because of several biological factors. This includes the fact that women’s genitals are more exposed than male’s genitals. Also, a higher concentration of the HIV virus is found in semen than in vaginal fluids and more semen is exchanged during intercourse. Women also statistically suffer from more untreated STDs, which increases the likelihood of acquiring HIV.
Although it is easier for women to become infected with HIV in comparison to men, they can still easily pass it on to their partner. The HIV virus can be present within vaginal fluids, menstrual blood, and on vaginal walls.
In addition, women who live in inner cities and who are of African American descent are more at risk of getting HIV. Women who live in inner cities are more likely to acquire the HIV virus due to the lack of education being provided within the school system on this important topic. African American women currently constitute 66% of HIV cases among women in the U.S. This dire statistic has been connected to economical factors.
Often, HIV-positive women believe they will pass on the virus to their child during pregnancy. If a woman does get pregnant and she detects or knows about the virus early on and receives treatment, there is less than a 2% chance for her baby to have the virus. However, if she does not receive the right treatment, the odds may increase up to 25%.
Also, women must remember that it is possible to get HIV from the tools used for tattoo artistry and piercings. It is recommended that each tool be disposed of after every use in order to minimize this problem. So please remember to choose your tattoo or piercing parlor wisely.
Unfortunately, HIV does not have a cure, but there are several treatments that have prolonged the lives of patients. HIV is a problem that can be thought of loosely so that it is connected solely to African nations. No one ever thinks that they are going to be infected. But remember that this virus does not discriminate and if proper prevention measures are not taken, anyone can become an easy target.
Information for this article has been gathered from the following sites. Feel free to explore them for more essential information on the HIV virus:
http://www.globalhealth.org/hiv_aids/?gclid=CLLOiv7p-5YCFSJIagodmH0HXg
http://kff.org/hivaids/upload/Women-and-HIV-AIDS-in-the-United-States-UPDATE.pdf
HIV in underrepresented countries
http://www.aidshealth.org/?gclid=CPKtuJzq-5YCFRxNagodHR10Yg
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