At this point we don't know, and I think it's going to be a while before we do. Honestly, I don't know, and I haven't heard anything that would indicate that to be true. One thing that influences the life span of a woman with HIV is that medical intervention often takes place later in the disease process. Because many doctors are just not sensitive to recognizing clinical manifestations that may be HIV-related. I just think that many doctors haven't adjusted their thinking to the possibility that a woman could be HIV-infected.
Many women know their status, but want to keep it very discreet.
As a result of these factors, a lot of women postpone getting medical attention or, as Nina said, are sometimes discounted by their doctors. That's so true. I answered a hotline for a period of time and took many calls from women who had tested positive and were diagnosed with AIDS at the same time. Also, we have to look at the practicality of receiving medical attention. Many women don't have health insurance and childcare.