title: Women and human immunodeficiency virus: unique management issues.
abstract: Women currently account for an increasing proportion of the US population infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although women suffer from similar HIV-related complications as men, they also can have unique gynecologic manifestations, such as cervical dysplasia or severe pelvic inflammatory disease. Other gender-specific management issues include contraception and pregnancy. Fortunately, today the perinatal HIV transmission rate can be lowered to less than 2% with appropriate management. More couples, including those discordant for HIV infection, are opting to pursue conception. Providers caring for HIV-infected women should be knowledgeable about reproductive choices, including the full array of available options. Strategies shown to improve access of health care to HIV-infected women include integrating gynecologic services with primary care, daily availability of medical services, provision of transportation, and provision of on-site childcare.
authors.affiliation: HIV Outpatient Program, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dumestre
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003267:Contraception; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000150:complications; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents