Many HIV positive women have benefited from treatments.
Medical opinion varies on the effects of HIV treatment on women. Some doctors say the standard doses, which are calculated on body weight, may be too high for women, leading to greater side effects. However, this has not been proven and it is recommended that you discuss your treatment options or any concerns you might have with your doctor.
Older research showed that two out of three women will experience side effects from HIV medication, but with the newer medications side effects are much less common. Compared to men, women, have some particular issues, including the effect on menstrual patterns.
If you do decide to begin treatments, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including the contraceptive pill and implants, as some HIV medications make the pill less effective as a contraceptive.
More information
Treat Yourself Right is a booklet aimed specifically at women with HIV. It provides information on a wide range of topics with a focus on health maintenance and treatments information, and is available from you local AIDS Council or PLWHA organisation, or alternatively on the AFAO and NAPWA websites.
The Service Directory section of this website also provides further contacts on where you can go for more information.
Next steps
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