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HIV is primarily a sexually transmitted condition, but it can also be transmitted through injection drug use and perinatally. HIV can be transmitted via unprotected sex or by sharing needles and other drug equipment. People living with HIV who are pregnant can significantly reduce the chances of their baby being born with HIV by taking PrEP.
Contracting HIV by having sex with men
The most common way women contract HIV is by having unprotected sex with a male partner who has HIV. According to the National Institutes of Health, women have greater risk of getting HIV through vaginal or anal sex because, in general, being the receptive partner for vaginal or anal sex puts one at higher-risk than being the insertive partner. Unprotected anal sex poses a greater risk for getting HIV because the lining of the rectum is thin and more susceptible to micro-tears that can allow HIV to enter the body.
Contracting HIV by having sex with women
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, women who have sex with women may contract HIV through cuts, bleeding gums, or sores in the mouth. This type of HIV transmission is rare. Women who have sex with women may also contract HIV if their partner has had sex with a man who is HIV positive. Knowing your and your partner’s HIV status can lower the risk of getting HIV or passing it to your partner.
Contracting HIV through unsafe injection practices
According to HIV.gov, sharing and reusing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment (“works”) can increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. The needles, syringes, or other works may have blood on them, and blood can carry HIV. The best way to lower your chances of getting HIV is to not inject drugs at all or to use new, clean needles and syringes every time you inject. Many communities have syringe services programs (SSPs), which are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes, facilitate safe disposal of used syringes, and link to other services and programs such as referral to substance use disorder treatment programs. Find an SSP near you.
Being born with HIV
Some women are born with HIV. However, people living with HIV can have healthy pregnancies. According to HIV.gov, talking with a doctor is essential when planning a pregnancy to learn how to prevent HIV transmission to an HIV-negative partner. Pregnant people may take PrEP if their partner is HIV-positive. The Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline is aimed at preventing HIV transmission from pregnant people to their infants. Individuals who need support and resources can call 1.800.439.4079 or visit hivpregnancyhotline.org.
HIV may be passed to an infant during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Maintaining an undetectable viral load is the best way to prevent transmission of HIV from a pregnant person with HIV to their unborn child. ART prescribed throughout pregnancy and childbirth will also reduce the risk of transmission to less than 1%.
Taking ART will also reduce the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding/chestfeeding to less than 1%; however, the risk is not zero. Infant formula or banked breastmilk are alternative options that eliminate the risk of transmission through breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Learn more about HIV and Women from HIV.gov and the national Office on Women’s Health.
