Vagina is a self-cleansing organ. It features natural bacteria that protects a woman from infection. These good bacteria are called lactobacilli. They reside in the mucous membrane of the vaginal lining. The bacteria secrete acids that are powerful enough to kill microbes and prevent infection. However, certain viruses and bacteria are too notorious to be caught by these friendly bacteria. They escape and get inside the body. One of them is HIV. HIV and women Since the HIV epidemic broke out in the world a few decades ago, women have found to be disproportionately affected by this deadly virus in many countries. At present, the female population constitutes more than 50 per cent of the whole population affected by HIV. The US witnesses millions of new HIV cases in people every year; most of them women. They are of all ages – teenagers, adolescents, women in their 20’s to 50’s, and also older women. HIV symptom in Arlington VA, can be easily diagnosed in a STD clinic, which welcomes men and women to undergo a test at an affordable price. Why are women more vulnerable to HIV infections? In many societies across the world, women’s rights are suppressed. They are not given the freedom to choose. This includes the freedom to say ‘no’ to having sex with their husband and freedom to use a female condom. A lady may know that her husband has cheated, yet she gives in to her husband’s demand for sex. Besides, many women find it hard to convince their husbands to use a condom during sex. Many people wrongly believe that using condoms, both male and female ones, decreases the pleasure of sex. So, they refrain from using it and don’t want their partner to use it either. These and other such beliefs and societal pressures and norms have made women more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Women who are into prostitution are at a far higher risk of contracting HIV. This holds particularly true in countries where prostitution is illegal. So, sex workers can hardly expect to get an opportunity to undergo STD testing, use condoms, or assert their sexual rights. What should women do to protect themselves from HIV? • Walk in an STD clinic and get yourselves tested. • Insist your partner to get tested too. • Be bold and ask your husband-to-be to undergo a test before tying the knot. You must also undergo a test. • Learn to assert your sexual rights. If you don’t want to have sex with somebody, say NO. • Refrain from having sex with somebody you know is into high-risk sexual behavior or is having sex with other men. Such men are at greater risk of HIV. • Refrain from having multiple sex partners. Practice monogamy. • Do not share sex toys with your female friends or your husband. • Consult a doctor before having sex with your husband, in case he is HIV-infected and under treatment. In a STD clinic in Arlington, early signs of HIV in women can be detected through appropriate test. If you are think you are exposed, consult a doctor at the clinic and act accordingly.
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