Women are far more likely than men to contract HIV from a man through heterosexual intercourse. Group of answer choices True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer: True
Explanation (300 words):
Women are indeed more likely than men to contract HIV from a man during heterosexual intercourse. This increased vulnerability is due to several biological and physiological factors.
- Anatomical Differences:
The female genital tract has a larger mucosal surface area exposed during intercourse compared to the male genital tract. The vaginal and cervical mucosa can sustain tiny microtears during sex, providing an entry point for the virus. In contrast, the male urethra has a smaller mucosal surface exposed during intercourse, reducing the chances of HIV entry. - Exposure to Semen:
HIV is present in higher concentrations in semen than in vaginal fluids. During heterosexual intercourse, the woman’s genital tract is exposed to semen, which can contain a high viral load, increasing the chance of transmission. - Vaginal Environment:
The vaginal mucosa is more susceptible to abrasions and inflammation, especially if there is coexisting infection (such as bacterial vaginosis or other sexually transmitted infections) or trauma during intercourse. These conditions compromise the mucosal barrier and facilitate HIV entry. - Hormonal and Immunological Factors:
Hormonal fluctuations in women can affect the thickness and integrity of the vaginal lining, influencing susceptibility. Also, women’s immune responses in the genital tract can sometimes increase local inflammation, attracting target cells for HIV infection. - Epidemiological Data:
Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that the per-act probability of acquiring HIV from an infected male partner is higher for women than men. This explains why women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and other high-prevalence areas, represent a higher proportion of new HIV infections.
In summary, due to anatomical, biological, and viral load factors, women have a higher risk of contracting HIV from men during heterosexual intercourse compared to the risk men face from infected women. This fact highlights the importance of targeted HIV prevention strategies, including condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and education tailored to women’s health.