What are the factors that heighten womens vulnerability to HIV?
A combination of biological, social, cultural and economic factors contribute to the rise of female infection. In particular, prevalent gender inequalities constrain the capacity of women to assert power over their own lives and to control the circumstances that increase their vulnerability to infection, particularly in the context of sexual relationships. a) Biological factors – It is believed that women may be biologically more susceptible to HIV infection from heterosexual sex than men. Because the female genital tract has a greater exposed surface area than the male genital tract, women may be prone to greater per-exposure risk of infection. Male to female transmission is estimated to be twice as likely as female to male in a single act of vaginal intercourse. b) Social and cultural factors – Social and cultural norms contribute to the unequal status of women in society and this contributes to the spread of disease. Particularly in the developing world, women are often denied the p
