The HIV journey for heterosexual women can be a roller coaster ride. Issues associated with relationships, negotiating intimacy, disclosure, health, pregnancy and support can often be confronting and confusing. It is possible to access support in order to address these issues, and many others associated with living with HIV.
Living with HIV does not mean your social, romantic and sexual life is over. Many women with HIV have meaningful friendships, romantic and sexual relationships. These relationships can involve difficult conversations and hard work but successful relationships are possible.
Living with HIV does not exclude you from having children. Despite many women’s initial fears, it is possible to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. Consulting with, and following your doctors treatment plan is important.
With the right guidance, education and support many, if not all of the issues associated with living with HIV can be tackled and overcome. At Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (HHAS) we are committed to supporting and educating women with HIV. We run regular events for women that are not only educational and supportive, but also give you the opportunity to meet other HIV positive women. Pozhet is also able to refer you to other services that can help you with things like counselling, massage, groceries and fertility.
To contact us on our free call line ph.-1800 812 404 or email us pozhet@pozhet.org.au.
A great website to check out is the Positive Women Victoria website, www.positivewomen.org.au , and the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO’s) ‘Treat Yourself Right’ book http://www.afao.org.au/view_articles.asp?pxa=ve&pxs=99&id=245
There are a lot of different options available to individuals and couples affected by HIV who wish to conceive. There are a number of different conception techniques and pregnancy measures that are recommended to ensure the safe delivery of a healthy baby. Just because you or your partner has HIV it does not mean you cannot or should not have a baby.
It is important to discuss the fertility, conception and pregnancy information and the steps you need to take to protect yourself, your partner and your baby with your doctor.
The majority of women with HIV in Australia are of reproductive age and conception has become a widely discussed topic.
For serodiscordant couples, if the male partner is positive, using the technique of sperm washing is the most highly recommended and safest conception method. Unfortunately this serve is not available in Victoria. If the female partner is positive, self insemination is a highly regarded and safe technique.
If both partners are positive, accessing a fertility clinic is recommended, where sperm washing and artificial insemination can occur.
People with HIV have the legal right to access fertility clinics. Some clinics will be more welcoming then others.
Once a woman with HIV is pregnant, it is important for her to follow a few steps. If she is on treatment, it is important for her to stay on treatment. If she is not on treatment it is advised to begin treatment in the second trimester. It is recommended that women have planned caesarean sections to avoid any rupturing or distress during birth. It is also advised that women with HIV use formula as opposed to breastfeeding their babies. When born, the baby begins a 6 week course of specific Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARV) drugs. Once again, all of this information should be discussed in detail with your doctor.
My name is Susan and I am the new Women’s Health Promotion Officer at HHAS.
I look forward to meeting and speaking to all the women already involved in HHAS activities and those who are thinking about becoming involved. I look forward to talking to you all.
Give me a call on 1800 812 404 or leave a message if I am not there
If you would like to be part of the positive women’s groups or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Susan or the HHAS team on 1800 812 404 (freecall) or contact us by email. pozhet@pozhet.org.au
