HIV/AIDS is a big health issue worldwide including men and women. It affects both genders equally, but its effects on women are very complex and different from those of men. Although a lot of biological advancements are made, but women still face unique biological, social, and economic problems regarding HIV. This blog primarily focuses on highlighting these issues.
Biological Problems
HIV/ AIDS can be detected in both women and men but various research have suggested that women are biologically more susceptible to HIV infection than men due to several biological factors. These biological factors include:
Hormonal changes
Women usually face a lot of hormonal changes because of the menstrual cycle, menopause, or pregnancy which makes women's immunity weak, and makes them more vulnerable to catching various viruses including HIV.
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Vaginal issues
The risk of HIV transmission during unprotected intercourse is increased by the vagina's higher surface area of mucosal tissue because vaginal tissues are more vulnerable due to their fragile nature.
Sexually Transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are more prevalent in women, can cause inflammation. This gives the virus more entrance places, increasing the likelihood of HIV transmission.
Reproductive Health Issues
HIV has a substantial effect on women's reproductive health, requiring all-encompassing care:
- Pregnancy and Motherhood: Pregnant women with HIV face complex problems because there are high chances of mother to child transmission. During childbirth or pregnancy it is advised for such patients to go through antiretroviral therapy (ART) as it reduces the chances of transferring this virus to the child in the womb.
- Access to Contraception: HIV positive women must avoid pregnancies as it can harm both the mother and the baby and it can easily be transferred to the baby. So contraceptives should be used to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
- Menstrual Health: HIV positive women may face various menstural health issues such as painful or irregular mensturation. Medicines that are used in HIV treatment can increase pain during mensturation. Adressing this issue is very important to treat it.
Social and Economic Factors
Socioeconomic status plays a critical role in women's vulnerability to HIV:
- Financial inequalities: Women have been facing financial inequalities since ages. It truly limit their access to healthcare, education and HIV prevention and treatment options. Reliance on partners for financial needs limits their ability to negotiate about safer sex practices.
- Limited Access to Education: In rural areas women have limited access to education about sexual health and HIV virus. They have no awareness on this topic and it is mostly considered taboo to talk about this topic. Resultantly women are more vulnerable to this virus. Education is very important for these women to have proper awareness.
- Cultural Norms and Gender Roles: In many cultures there is no gender equality. They are taught to fullfill their partners needs at all cost. So this discrimination prevents women from expressing their right in sexual health.
Conclusion
Women face complex challenges with HIV due to biological, social and economic discriminations. These factors increase vulnerability in women regarding this virus and make accessing healthcare difficult. Steps should be taken to eradicate social, economic and biological barriers for women so that they can get better support in fighting against HIV.