Of course, women need to remember that just because they test HIV positive doesn't mean that they already have AIDS.
There are specific issues that women with HIV end up dealing with today. If you are a woman that has been diagnosed with this disease, it is important that you learn as much pertinent information as possible. Here is a closer look at women and HIV, and some of the most important information you need to know.
The Symptoms of HIV in Women
Many women make the mistake of ignoring some of the warning symptoms of HIV because they don't really think they are at risk for the problem.
Some of the common symptoms that occur include pelvic inflammatory disease, frequent yeast infections, ulcers of the genitals, herpes infections, changes in the cervical tissue, and genital warts. In some cases, women do not even show any signs of this infection for some time. However, often exposure to HIV can cause PAP smears that are abnormal, severe infections vaginally, and more.
Sometimes women may experience symptoms that seem like the flu a few weeks after they have encountered the HIV virus. However, many women never see symptoms for years. As the infection continues on, other symptoms that can crop up include night sweats and recurring fevers, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, fatigue, and blemishes or spots in the oral cavity.
Reducing the Chances of Contracting HIV for Women
Women are actually the fastest growing segment of HIV infected people today within America, so it is important that women learn more about reducing their chances of contracting this disease. Since bodily secretions are the way that this disease is transmitted, it is important to avoid having unprotected sex, to avoid using injection drugs, or having many sex partners if you want to reduce your chances.
The best methods of protection is abstinence from both illegal drugs and sexual intercourse. Those choosing to have sexual intercourse should ensure their partner is uninfected or make sure that barrier methods, such as dental dams and condoms, are used every time.
Woman and HIV Research and Advances
At this point there is currently no cure for HIV, but there have been many studies done and advances are being made. Studies focus on the signs of HIV in women as well as the relationship between HIV and pregnancy in women. Special female controlled protection methods are being investigated as well. This includes gels and creams that women can apply before having sex to try to keep themselves protected from this disease; however, there is not yet any evidence to show that these options are effective at prevention the transmission of HIV.
HIV and Pregnancy
One major concern that women have when it comes to HIV is the risk for their baby if they are pregnant. Women wonder if their baby is going to have HIV as well. In most cases babies that are born to women who are infected with HIV do not get the virus. However, 25% of babies can be infected during the birthing process, before birth, or even by breast feeding. No one is really sure when the transmission of the virus actually occurs. Retrovir, which is a drug, can be prescribed for women who are pregnant to reduce the likelihood that the virus will be transmitted to the baby.
Women and HIV Testing
There is a lot of confusion surrounding HIV testing for women. If you have had an unsafe sex encounter, you should wait about 6 weeks to 6 months before you are tested in order to make sure that your tests are accurate. It takes time for the body to start showing the antibodies in your blood that show you have been exposed to HIV. It is important that women check to be sure what tests are being done. There are reactive and confirmatory tests used. On the reactive test, often false positives occur, especially with those who have had a flue vaccine, many pregnancies, or kidney failure. A confirmatory test is going to provide the HIV status and should be done to make sure you have a reading that is accurate.
Of course, women need to remember that just because they test HIV positive doesn't mean that they already have AIDS. In fact, it doesn't even mean they have to get AIDS. However, research does show that those who are HIV positive are likely to go on to develop AIDS.
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