WOMEN AND THE HETEROSEXUAL TRANSMISSION OF HIV - RISKS AND PREVENTIONSTRATEGIES

Heterosexual intercourse has become a significant means of HIV transmi ssion, even in countries where this was previously not the case. Conse quently the promotion of safer sexual practices for heterosexual women and men is of major public health importance. We examine the risks to women of contracting HIV through heterosexual sex, and critically dis cuss the most commonly recommended strategies for safer sex for hetero sexuals. We conclude that all safer sex strategies have limitations, a nd therefore a wide range of options should be promoted.