Caring for women living with HIV: gaps in the evidence.

Introduction: In the management of HIV, women and men generally undergo the same treatment pathway, with gender differences being given limited consideration. This is in spite of accumulating evidence that there are a number of potential differences between women and men which may affect response to treatment, pharmacokinetics, toxicities and coping. There are also notable psychological, behavioural, social and structural factors that may have a unique impact on women living with HIV (WLWH).

A review of reproductive health research, guidelines and related gaps for women living with HIV.

The study of pregnancy and motherhood in women living with HIV (WLWH) has concentrated on the health of the unborn baby and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, whereas consideration of the broader aspects of women's reproductive health has been largely overlooked. The rights of WLWH with respect to their reproductive health should be exactly the same as non-HIV-positive women, however, inequalities exist due to discrimination and also because the treatment guidelines used in the care of women are often based on insufficient evidence. The purpose of this article is to review the available literature on reproductive health issues for WLWH and to identify gaps requiring further investigation.

Preexposure prophylaxis and timed intercourse for HIV-discordant couples willing to conceive a child.

Many HIV-discordant couples express a strong wish to conceive a child. Insemination with processed semen is offered to these couples in many countries. Given the very low level of transmission risk during fully suppressive antiretroviral therapy, we offered timed intercourse combined with preexposure prophylaxis to further reduce the transmission risk.

Consultations of HIV-infected women who wish to become pregnant.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the impact and outcome of consultations of HIV-infected women if a pregnancy is planned.

Methods: This study was performed retrospectively based on patient's records of HIV-infected women with the desire to become pregnant between 2000 and 2008. Relevant data regarding HIV infection, obstetrical history, diagnostic procedures and medical interventions related to conception, as well as pregnancy outcomes, were evaluated.

Women Living with HIV Does Sex and Gender Matter? A Current Literature Review.

Background: As women are more susceptible to heterosexual HIV infection than men, it is predicted that the percentage of women amongst people living with HIV will continue to grow worldwide. This has not only impact on preventive and reproductive issues, but also on treatment of women with HIV. -

Methods: Abstracts from the 9 superset th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Seattle and the XIV World AIDS Conference in Barcelona in 2002 have been reviewed for this article, complemented by further internet-search.