Women remain an important and often underserved population in HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Approximately 268,800 women in the United States are living with HIV, accounting for about 22% of people living with HIV nationally and approximately 20% of new HIV diagnoses.

Most women acquire HIV through heterosexual sexual contact or shared injection equipment. HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if appropriate prevention and treatment are not provided.

Women are also more likely to experience late HIV diagnoses. In 2022, approximately one in five women newly diagnosed with HIV had progressed to AIDS within three months of their diagnosis. A late diagnosis means HIV may have been weakening the immune system for years before treatment began.

Significant racial disparities also persist. Black women account for approximately 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the United States despite representing a much smaller percentage of the female population.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition advocates for policies and programs that improve HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and healthcare access for women throughout Georgia.

HIV prevention begins with understanding individual risk and having access to effective prevention tools.

Women can acquire HIV through sexual contact or exposure to infected blood, including through shared injection equipment. Regular HIV testing is especially important because a person can live with HIV for years without noticeable symptoms.

Prevention strategies include:

• Routine HIV testing
• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
• Condom use
• STI screening and treatment
• Harm reduction and syringe service programs
• Avoiding shared injection equipment
• Open conversations with healthcare providers about sexual health

Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should also receive appropriate HIV testing. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition supports efforts to expand prevention services, reduce stigma, and ensure women have access to the information and healthcare services necessary to protect their health.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for everyone diagnosed with HIV.

HIV medications reduce the amount of virus in the body, protect the immune system, and allow people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Effective treatment can also reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to an undetectable level. People who maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV, a principle known as Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U.

Women living with HIV may experience certain health concerns differently or more frequently, including:

• Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Severe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Increased risk of cervical cancer
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Increased risk of osteoporosis
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Earlier menopause or more severe menopausal symptoms

Treatment plans should consider a woman’s overall health, reproductive health, medications, and other medical conditions.

Comprehensive HIV care for women extends beyond controlling the virus.

Women living with HIV may require coordinated care that addresses reproductive health, gynecological health, cardiovascular health, bone health, mental health, and other medical needs.

Care may include:

• HIV specialty care
• Primary care
• Routine cervical cancer screening
• STI screening
• Reproductive healthcare
• Medication management
• Behavioral health services
• Case management
• Pregnancy and prenatal care

Some HIV medications can interact with hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, rings, or implants. Women should discuss their medications and contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to determine whether an additional or alternative form of birth control is appropriate.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition supports policies and services that help women overcome barriers to healthcare and remain connected to consistent, comprehensive HIV care.

HIV treatment is especially important during pregnancy.

Women who are already taking HIV medications should generally continue treatment during pregnancy while working closely with their healthcare providers. In some cases, an HIV specialist may recommend adjusting a medication regimen during pregnancy.

Women who are diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy or who are not currently receiving treatment should speak with a healthcare professional about beginning ART as soon as possible.

Effective HIV treatment during pregnancy protects the health of the mother while dramatically reducing the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby. Appropriate medical care should continue throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Pregnant women living with HIV may receive coordinated services including:

• Antiretroviral therapy
• Viral load monitoring
• Prenatal care
• HIV specialty care
• Medication management
• Infant testing and follow-up care
• Counseling about infant feeding

With appropriate treatment and medical care, perinatal HIV transmission can be reduced to very low levels.

Women living with or at risk for HIV can access a range of prevention, treatment, and support services.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides medical care, medications, case management, and support services for eligible people living with HIV. Georgia also has HIV clinics, community-based organizations, testing programs, and prevention services available throughout the state.

Resources may include:

• HIV testing
• PrEP and prevention services
• HIV treatment
• Reproductive healthcare
• Ryan White services
• Medication assistance
• Case management
• Transportation assistance
• Behavioral health services
• Pregnancy and prenatal support

The Georgia AIDS Coalition advocates for continued investment in programs that address the specific healthcare needs of women and improve equitable access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.