In a world where women are empowered to take full control of their health, where stigma holds no power, and where unity in care breeds strength and resilience, Spectrum Medical stands firm in its mission for inclusive health care. We firmly believe in the power of community, compassion, and courage as you navigate your journey with HIV.
From knowing your status to owning your status, women worldwide are defying the negative stigma around sexual health care, including care for HIV or HIV prevention. Together, we will build a world where every woman is supported, valued and cared for—with unity in care as an unwavering reality.
Unity is CommUnity: Promoting HIV Awareness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, 18% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas were among women. The most common way to acquire HIV is through unprotected sex with an infected male partner. While most women who have HIV are aware of their status, some aren’t receiving the care and treatment they need.
Breaking down stigma, shame, and stereotypes around sexual behavior is the first step to creating unity in care for women like you. Promoting community awareness and breaking down barriers to care access are key roles in raising HIV awareness and ensuring that you and others have the support needed.
By staying informed and engaged, you can contribute to the ongoing effort to improve healthcare outcomes for yourself and others. Your voice is a powerful tool in advocating for better policies and more inclusive healthcare practices.
What factors put women at risk for HIV?
HIV can be transmitted to you through bodily fluids such as blood, pre-seminal fluids and semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. In the United States, your main risk factors for HIV transmission include:
- Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone living with HIV who has a detectable viral load without using a condom or taking preventative or treatment medications. Anal sex carries the highest risk of getting HIV because the lining of the rectum is thin, which can allow HIV to enter your body during anal sex.
- Sharing injection drug equipment (works), like needles, with someone living with HIV.
As a woman, several factors can increase your risk of HIV transmission. For instance, during vaginal or anal sex, you are at greater risk because, generally, receptive sex is riskier than insertive sex. If you are older, age-related thinning and dryness of the vagina may increase your risk because these conditions can cause tears during sex, leading to HIV transmission. Your risk also increases if your partner engages in high-risk behaviors, such as injection drug use or having sex with other partners without using condoms.
How does intersectionality impact the quality of healthcare services for Black women living with HIV?
Your experiences as a Black woman living with HIV shape the way you navigate healthcare, and understanding this intersectionality can empower you to advocate for the care you deserve. Intersectionality shines a light on how your intersecting identities—race, gender, and socioeconomic status—can influence your healthcare journey. While systemic inequalities can sometimes create challenges, recognizing these factors can help you and your healthcare providers address your specific needs more effectively.
It’s important to acknowledge that you may face obstacles like stigma or discrimination within the healthcare system. The first step is finding inclusive and nonjudgmental health care providers who have a mission to whole person wellness. High rates of maternal mortality and the complexities of living with HIV/AIDS are important issues that deserve attention from your provider and care team.
Your experiences are not defined by challenges alone—they also reflect the strength and determination that have carried you through. While historical and contemporary inequities may have shaped some of the obstacles you face, they also highlight the importance of community and support. You can build a network of strength and solidarity by seeking out resources and connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Are there any issues that affect HIV treatment in women?
Starting treatment with HIV medicines, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), is a powerful step you can take towards living a long, healthy life with HIV. Not only does ART help you stay healthy, but it also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
It’s best to begin taking HIV medicines as soon as possible after you’re diagnosed. If you’re considering birth control or are pregnant, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Birth Control: Some HIV medicines can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, like birth control pills, patches, rings, or implants. If you’re taking certain HIV medicines, you may need to explore additional or alternative forms of birth control. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best option to suit your needs.
Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, taking HIV medicines during pregnancy and childbirth is crucial to reducing the risk of passing HIV to your baby and protecting your health. The HIV treatment regimen you use during pregnancy will depend on various factors, including your previous or current use of HIV medicines, other medical conditions, and drug-resistance testing results.
In most cases, you can continue with the same HIV treatment regimen recommended for non-pregnant adults. However, your healthcare provider will work with you to ensure that the benefits of your treatment outweigh any potential risks to you or your baby.
Sometimes, your HIV treatment regimen might need to be adjusted during pregnancy. It’s essential to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any changes that may be necessary to keep both you and your baby healthy. Together, you can make informed decisions that support your well-being and that of your child.
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
Living with HIV doesn’t mean you have to forgo living life to the fullest. Spectrum Medical focuses on whole-person wellness for those with HIV, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma. As part of your treatment, we regularly conduct blood tests and medical examinations to ensure that your medication effectively controls your viral load (the amount of HIV in your blood). Achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load is not only a significant milestone in HIV treatment but also a cause for celebration. This milestone, known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), means that people who reach and sustain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to others.
Are You Unsure About Your Status?
If you are currently trying to figure out your status, it is important to get tested. One option is Spectrum Medical’s Testing After Dark program. In the Phoenix metro area, every other Tuesday, you can come in after business hours for free HIV and STI testing in a safe, quick, and confidential environment.
Inclusive HIV Treatment & Care Available In The Valley
Early detection is essential. While we cannot cure HIV, we can manage it effectively. Treatment focuses on daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of HIV medicines known as an HIV regimen.
As an AAHIVM-certified practice, Spectrum Medical offers advanced, state-of-the-art treatment for HIV patients. We actively participate in HIV treatment research and provide treatment options customized for each patient’s unique needs to achieve unmatched results.
Whether it’s through testing or specialized care, Spectrum Medical is here to support YOU. We are your partner in health.
