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HIV may cause some health problems that are unique to women, such as:

-Gynecological health issues
-Increased risk of cervical cancer
-Increased risk of heart disease
-HIV medicine side effects and drug interactions
-Aging-related issues

Pregnancy and birth control also require careful management with a health care provider.

The good news is that women with HIV who take HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) exactly as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and have will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex. An undetectable viral load is a level of HIV in your blood so low that a standard lab test can’t detect it.

Gynecological Health Issues and HIV

Gynecological problems are common among women living with HIV. Some of the issues women may experience are:

-Problems related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—Some STDS, like genital herpes, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and chancroid can happen more often and be more severe and/or harder to treat in women living with HIV than in HIV-negative women. STD screening and treatment is important for the health of a woman living with HIV and because having HIV and other STDs may increase the risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners.

-Vaginal yeast infections—In women living with HIV, vaginal yeast infections can occur more frequently and be harder to treat. Recurring vaginal yeast infections (those that happen at least four times a year) can happen more often in women with advanced HIV or AIDS.

-Bacterial vaginosis (BV)—BV is a condition caused by changes in the amount of certain types of bacteria found in the vagina. BV is more common in women living with HIV and may be harder to treat.

-Menstrual cycle problems—Women living with HIV may experience missed periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or more severe premenstrual syndrome.

Women’s Aging and HIV

Thanks to effective HIV treatment, women with HIV are living longer lives. That also means that as they age, they face the same health problems that many other older women do, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and some cancers.

Women with HIV also may face also other health concerns as they age. These include:

-Menopause—Women with HIV may enter menopause younger or have more severe hot flashes than women who do not have HIV. Researchers also think the drop in the female hormone estrogen after menopause may affect women’s CD4 counts.

-Osteoporosis—Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and easy to break. It is a concern for all older women, but especially for women with HIV. Bone loss occurs faster in women (and men) living with HIV than in people who do not have HIV. Some HIV medicines may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.