June 2002
Woman vs The Virus

Women are one of the fastest growing group of people being infected with HIV/AIDS. We now account for more than 25% of the AIDS cases in the U.S. Much higher percentages are found in other countries. Unfortunately most of us are also of childbearing age. Most women find out they have HIV only after pregnancy or when diagnosed with a major illness. This is often a result of us not being aware of our risk. But we are at risk not only from our own behaviors, but also because of the unknown risky behaviors of our sexual partners. That is why it is so important to take things into our own hands and tell our Doctors to test us for HIV. Often the biggest obstacle in women’s HIV care is the fact that we are often full-time caretakers.

Balancing a strict medication schedule and/or the side affects of the medications make it very difficult to care for ourselves let alone others. Much to often women end up neglecting their own care until they end up in a crisis situation (the emergency room). Not a good situation for anyone concerned.

It is important to remember that age is no protection against AIDS. The rise of HIV infections among people over 50 in the U.S. reached 78,000 cases by 1999. 10,000 were over the age of 65. One contributing factor to the rise in older women being infected with the virus is that once they are post-menopausal they no longer worry about getting pregnant, and are less likely to use condoms. Many older women enter back into the dating world (after being widowed or divorced) simply never having paid attention to how HIV is spread because it was never a concern for them. The rise in the ratio of women to available men in our country increases the probability that men may have more than one partner. This obviously raises the possibility that he may pass infections both STD and HIV between his ladies. Occasionally older women and their Doctors (who are less knowledgeable about HIV) can sometimes confuse normal problems of aging with HIV. Older women with HIV often face problems compounded by their age. Many have chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart conditions and high cholesterol. The medications for some of these conditions do not mix well with HIV. Women in this age range often have less of a support system to turn to. Being on our own later in life, can allow us to the time to take better care of ourselves. I urge everyone to take the time needed for self-care both emotional and physical to make a difference in our lives.

Our goal is to help woman empower themselves by realizing that they can take the responsibility for their own HIV and STD protection. One alternative is the female condom, which for some women can be a little awkward. Researchers are working on new products that could make things a lot easier. Scientists are working on lubricants that contain microbicides to be used during intercourse. The belief is that they will kill or inactivate STDs (like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes). Some of these new products are now in clinical trials. Hopefully all will go well and they will come to market in the next few years. For those who are interested in some larger trials check in with the ACTUs’ clinical trial hotline or contact BABES (206-720-5566) or STEP (206-329-4857) for more information.

This is a Non-Profit Organization You can follow this link to find out more on donations: