The Vulnerability Of Women And Men To Hiv -

: Receptive partners are at greater risk because of the potential for mucosal tears during intercourse. In post-menopausal women, reduced estrogen leads to thinner vaginal mucosa, further increasing the likelihood of trauma and infection.

: Shifts in the vaginal microbiome (e.g., bacterial vaginosis) or untreated STIs can increase HIV risk by up to 60% by causing local inflammation and attracting "target" CD4+ T cells to the area. Social and Behavioral Vulnerabilities The Vulnerability of Women and Men to HIV

Biological differences primarily heighten the risk for cisgender women and receptive partners: : Receptive partners are at greater risk because

Gender norms and socioeconomic status play a critical role in determining exposure: Men and the HIV Epidemic The Vulnerability of Women and Men to HIV