HIV/AIDS: Why are young women at a higher risk of HIV infection than young men?


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	Global Health Reporting Why are young women at a higher risk of HIV infection than young men? Many young women lack information about sexual and reproductive health and disease prevention. In countries with generalized epidemics, the majority of women ages 15 to 24 do not have access to information or resources about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. Young women may also lack access to health care and education. In addition, young women are among the most vulnerable because their genital tracts have less mature tissue, which may be more easily torn, and they are often victims of coercive or forced sex. Overview Facts at a Glance FAQ Libraries Organizations

What factors make women more vulnerable to HIV infection?

A combination of biological, social, cultural and economic factors contribute to women's increased vulnerability. In particular, gender inequalities prevent women from asserting power over their own lives and controlling the circumstances that increase their vulnerability to infection. Women are also physiologically more susceptible to becoming infected with HIV than men.

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