Special counselling issues for women

Women are often tested later in the course of their HIV infection because of the perception that they are not at risk.

Many female-specific issues related to HIV infection were not recognized until recently. For example, economic dependence may place a woman at risk because of her inability to refuse intercourse or risk-producing activities.

Discuss safer sex and safer drug-injection practices with all women, and help them develop negotiating skills to use with sexual partners.

If a partner cannot be persuaded to use condoms, promote female-dependent methods of protection, such as spermicides with or without a diaphragm or cervical cap, sponges and condoms for women.

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