22 646 48 86
I am HIV + woman
The course of HIV infection and the response to antiretroviral therapy are independent of gender. If you are a woman living with HIV, you can get pregnant, even with an HIV-free partner, have safe sex and enjoy a long life. Here you will learn more about : there is an infection, get pregnant safely, what to pay attention to when choosing contraception, have safe sexual contacts.
What will the doctor ask me about during the first visit?
If you have just found out about your infection, see a doctor or physician who treats HIV as soon as possible. The list of places in Poland where you will receive ARV treatment can be found in the tabs above. The specialist may also ask you about: sexual activity, number and age of offspring, past and / or currently treated diseases of the reproductive organ and procreation plans, if you are of reproductive age. He will ask questions about your cycle (age of first and last menstrual periods, cycle length, amount of bleeding) and contraceptive methods used.
In addition to basic tests determining the stage of HIV infection, the specialist will also order:
pregnancy test
gynecological examination with the assessment of the pH of vaginal discharge, cytological examination and DNA HPV-HR
pelvic organs assessment (ultrasound)
testing for sexually transmitted infections
Contraception
Can I take it with HIV medications?
Have you reached undetectable viremia? That's great! You have become non-contagious. Leki antiretroviral drugs that do not interact with hormonal contraceptive methods. If you are not planning to have children, you can go ahead and use any method of contraception. Important note: Remember that some birth control pills may interact with ARV medications. Inform your gynecologist or gynecologist about your infection, he will help you choose the best form of contraception.
Pregnancy and HIV
You don't have to give up family planning!
Today, many patients living with HIV are consciously planning to have children. Numerous studies conducted in Europe and the USA show that the percentage of HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected women declaring the will to have a child is comparable. HIV is not a contraindication to having children. When planning and pregnant, medications are selected to be safe for you and the fetus, while protecting against infection. Pregnancy should be carried out in consultation with your HIV doctor. You can find out about the treatment during pregnancy in the "ARV treatment" tab.
Get tested regularly!
Cancer prevention in women living with HIV
Cervical cancer prevention
HIV positive people with female reproductive organs are 9 times more likely to develop cervical cancer.
High viremia and low levels of CD4 cells (CD4 <100 cells / µl) increase the incidence of oncogenic HPV types.
Cervical cytology - In the first year of observation of an HIV + woman, the examination should be performed twice (every 6 months), and in the following years - every year.
Breast cancer prevention
Breast cancer occurs with a similar frequency in HIV + women and in seronegative women. However, breast cancer in HIV-infected patients occurs in a younger age group and is more aggressive in its course.
Mammography: every 1-2 years when you are 50-69 years old. In the case of a burdened family history of breast cancer, mammograms should be performed from the age of 35.
Breast self-examination: monthly between the 6th and 9th day of the cycle.
Breast ultrasound: 1-2 years, preferably between the 6th and 9th day of the cycle.
Anal cancer prevention
The incidence of anal cancer in HIV + women is 6.8 times higher than in the general population.
HPV infection is the main cause of cancer of the anus and condylomata acuminata.
Digital rectal examination every 1-3 years - If you have regular receptive anal contacts without a condom.
regular manual examination of the anal canal with a finger (2cm)
HPV vaccination - consider having HPV vaccination if you are under 45 years of age. Currently, a vaccine is recommended to prevent infection with serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18 (quadrivalent) or 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 (nine valent).
to remember
The most important information
By living with HIV, you can get pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby.
By taking your medication regularly, you won't pass HIV to another person through sexual contact.
If you are seropositive, use contraception.
