Women and the heterosexual transmission of HIV: Risks and prevention strategies

Heterosexual intercourse has become a significant means of HIV transmission, even in countries where this was previously not the case. Consequently 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 discuss the most commonly recommended strategies for safer sex for heterosexuals. We conclude that all safer sex strategies have limitations, and therefore a wide range of options should be promoted.