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Summary

  • You can live well with HIV.
  • Being involved in your own health care can help to keep you well. Being registered with a GP, as well as having an HIV clinic, is an important part of this.
  • CD4 and viral load tests are key in determining when to start or change treatment. Regular health monitoring is important for your HIV care, but there are also other sorts of screening you should have at certain times of your life.
  • HIV treatment works well in women, but there may be some side-effects that affect women more. There are also interactions with other drugs, including some forms of contraception. This could affect your choice of contraception or anti-HIV drugs, so it is important you discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • You can have fulfilling emotional and sexual relationships. Looking after your sexual health is important.
  • With the right treatment and care, you can have a healthy baby without passing on HIV.
  • Getting the right support is an essential part of living well. Your healthcare team, support organisations and other women with HIV can all provide information, advice and support.

HIV & women

Published July 2014

Last reviewed July 2014

Next review July 2017

Contact NAM to find out more about the scientific research and information used to produce this booklet.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.