March 5, 2024

Fast Facts: HIV and Women

Although there was no significant change in estimated new HIV infections among women in the United States overall from 2015 to 2019, the annual number of new infections is moving in the right direction (from 6,800 in 2015 to 6,400 in 2019). Get the latest data on HIV among women.

Fast facts

HIV affects some groups more than others. Social and structural issues—such as HIV stigma, homophobia, discrimination, poverty, and limited access to high-quality health care—influence health outcomes and continue to drive inequities.

HIV incidence

HIV incidence refers to the estimated number of new HIV infections in a given year.

Estimated HIV infections among women in the US, 2015-2019^*

There were 34,800 estimated new HIV infections in the US in 2019. Of those, 18 percent (6,400) were among women. From 2016 to 2019, the number of estimated new HIV infections among women has decreased. The Ending the HIV Epidemic overall goal is to decrease the estimated number of new HIV infections to 9,300 by 2025 and 3,000 by 2030. — Learn more about estimated HIV infections among women.

_{^* Based on sex assigned at birth.}

_{Source: CDC. Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States, 2015–2019. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report 2021;26(1).}

HIV diagnoses

HIV diagnoses refers to the number of people who received an HIV diagnosis during a given year.

_{Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Report 2021;32.}

HIV diagnoses among women by transmission category in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

Most new HIV diagnoses among women were attributed to heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use and other types of transmission. — Learn more about HIV diagnoses among women by transmission category.

_{* Based on sex assigned at birth and includes transgender people. For more information about transgender people, visit CDC's Fast Facts: HIV and Transgender People web content.}

_{† Includes perinatal exposure, blood transfusion, hemophilia, and risk factors not reported or not identified.}

_{Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Report 2021;32.}

HIV diagnoses among women by age in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

Women aged 25 to 34 had the highest number of new HIV diagnoses, followed by women aged 35 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 and older, and 13 to 24, respectively. — Learn more about HIV diagnoses among women by age.

_{Total may not equal 100% due to rounding.}

_{* Based on sex assigned at birth and includes transgender people. For more information about transgender people, visit CDC's Fast Facts: HIV and Transgender People web content.}

_{Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Report 2021;32.}

HIV diagnoses among women by race/ethnicity in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

Black/African American women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. White women are the next most affected, followed by Hispanic/Latina, multiracial, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women, respectively. — Learn more about HIV diagnoses among women by race and ethnicity.

_{* Based on sex assigned at birth and includes transgender people. For more information about transgender people, visit CDC's Fast Facts: HIV and Transgender People web content.}

_{† Black refers to people having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. African American is a term often used for people of African descent with ancestry in North America.}

_{‡ Hispanic/Latina women can be of any race.}

_{Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Report 2021;32.}

HIV diagnoses decreased 6% among women overall from 2015 to 2019. Although trends varied for different groups of women, HIV diagnoses declined for groups most affected by HIV, including Black/African American women and young women aged 13 to 24.

HIV diagnoses among women in the US and dependent areas, 2015-2019*

From 2015 to 2019, HIV diagnoses trends among women in the US and dependent areas varied by age and ethnicity. Diagnoses in women 55 and older increased by 7 percent. Meanwhile, diagnoses among women aged 13 to 24 and 45 to 54 fell by 14 percent. Diagnoses fell 7 percent among women 35 to 44. Diagnoses among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women increased by 67 percent, and 11 percent for white women. Diagnoses decreased by 19 percent among Asian women, 18 percent among multiracial women, and 7 percent among Hispanic/Latina women. Diagnoses were stable among American Indian/Alaska Native women. Note, changes in subpopulations with fewer HIV diagnoses can lead to a large percentage increase or decrease. — Learn more about trends in HIV diagnoses among women.

_{* Based on sex assigned at birth and includes transgender people. For more information about transgender people, visit CDC's Fast Facts: HIV and Transgender People web content.}

_{† Black refers to people having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. African American is a term often used for people of African descent with ancestry in North America.}

_{‡ Hispanic/Latina women can be of any race.}

_{** Changes in subpopulations with fewer HIV diagnoses can lead to a large percentage increase or decrease.}

_{Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Report 2021;32.}

Knowledge of status

Knowledge of status refers to the estimated percentage of people with HIV who have received an HIV diagnosis.

Women with HIV in the US, 2019*

In 2019, an estimated 1.2 million people had HIV. Of those, 263,900 were women. For every 100 people with HIV, 87 knew their HIV status. For every 100 women with HIV, 90 knew their HIV status. The Ending the HIV Epidemic overall goal is to increase the estimated percentage of people with HIV who have received an HIV diagnosis to at least 95 percent by 2025 and remain at 95 percent by 2030. — Learn more about knowledge of HIV status among women with HIV in the US.

_{^* Based on sex assigned at birth.}

_{Source: CDC. Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States 2015–2019. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report 2021;26(1).}

Behaviors associated with HIV transmission

The chances of getting or transmitting HIV varies widely depending on the type of exposure or behavior. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment—for example, cookers.

Sexual behaviors among cisgender women^* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Getting and keeping an undetectable viral load is the best way for people with HIV to stay healthy and protect others. 8 percent of all people with HIV and 7 percent of cisgender women with HIV had sex without using any HIV prevention strategy in the past 12 months. — Learn more about sexual behaviors among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_{† Had sex while not virally suppressed with a partner whose HIV status was negative or unknown, a condom was not used, and the partner was not taking PrEP.}

_{Source: CDC. Behavioral and Clinical Characteristics of Persons with Diagnosed HIV Infection—Medical Monitoring Project, United States, 2020 Cycle (June 2020–May 2021). HIV Surveillance Special Report 2022;29.}

Injection behaviors among women who inject drugs in 23 US cities, 2018^*

Sharing needles, syringes, and other drug injection equipment increase the chances of getting or transmitting HIV and other infections. 33 percent of people overall without HIV, compared to 36 percent of women without HIV, used a syringe after someone else used it in the past 12 months. 60 percent of people overall without HIV, compared to 63 percent of women without HIV, used any injection equipment after someone else used it in the past 12 months. — Learn more about injection behaviors among women who inject drugs.

_{^* Based on current gender identity.}

_{Source: CDC. HIV infection risk, prevention, and testing behaviors among persons who inject drugs—National HIV Behavioral Surveillance: injection drug use, 23 U.S. Cities, 2018. HIV Surveillance Special Report 2020;24.}

PrEP coverage

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) coverage refers to the estimated percentage of people with indications for PrEP classified as having been prescribed PrEP.

PrEP coverage among women in the US, 2019^*†

Only 10 percent of women who could benefit from PrEP were prescribed PrEP in the US in 2019. The Ending the HIV Epidemic overall goal is to increase the estimated percentage of people with indications for PrEP classified as having been prescribed PrEP to at least 50 percent by 2025 and remain at 50 percent by 2030. — Learn more about PrEP coverage among women.

_{^* Based on sex assigned at birth.}

_{† Among people aged 16 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Monitoring selected national HIV prevention and care objectives by using HIV surveillance data—United States and 6 dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report 2021;26(2).}

Viral suppression and barriers to care

Viral suppression refers to the percentage of people with diagnosed HIV who have less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.

HIV care continuum among women with diagnosed HIV in 44 states and the District of Columbia, 2019*

Compared to all people with diagnosed HIV, women have lower viral suppression rates. For every 100 women with diagnosed HIV in 2019, 76 received some HIV care, 58 were retained in care, and 64 were virally suppressed. For comparison, for every 100 people overall with diagnosed HIV, 76 received some care, 58 were retained in care, and 66 were virally suppressed. The Ending the HIV Epidemic overall goal is to increase the percentage of people with diagnosed HIV who are virally suppressed to at least 95 percent by 2025 and remain at 95 percent by 2030. — Learn more about HIV care and viral suppression among women with diagnosed HIV in the US.

_{^* Based on sex assigned at birth.}

_{^† Had 2 viral load or CD4 tests at least 3 months apart in a year.}

_{^‡Based on most recent viral load test.}

_{Source: CDC. Monitoring selected national HIV prevention and care objectives by using HIV surveillance data United States and 6 dependent areas, 2019. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report. 2021;26(2).}

Although many people taking HIV medicine are virally suppressed, some people with HIV are currently not virally suppressed or do not maintain viral suppression over time. Some challenges with achieving and maintaining viral suppression include missing multiple doses of HIV treatment, missing medical appointments, or needing other important health care services.

Missed HIV medical care appointments among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Staying in HV care is important to achieving and maintaining viral suppression. 20 percent of all people with HIV, compared to 23 percent of cisgender women with HIV, missed at least 1 medical appointment in the past 12 months. — Learn about missed HIV medical care appointments among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

HIV treatment among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Taking HIV medicine consistently and as prescribed is the bast way to achieve and maintain viral suppression. 62 percent of all people with HIV, compared to 63 percent of cisgender women with HIV, reported taking all of their doses of HIV medicine over the last 30 days. — Learn more about HIV treatment among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

Needed HIV ancillary services among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†‡

Having access to needed services could reduce barriers to achieving and maintaining viral suppression. The top 3 services cisgender women reported needing but not receiving in the past 12 months were dental care (23 percent), SNAP or WIC (10 percent), and shelter or housing services (9 percent). 41 percent of all people with HIV needed but did not receive at least 1 HIV ancillary service in the past 12 months. — Learn more about needed HIV ancillary services among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Abbreviations: SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; WIC = Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.}

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{‡ HIV ancillary services, such as case management and mental health services, are services that support retention in HIV care.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

Symptoms of depression and anxiety among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

People who experience symptoms of depression or anxiety may face challenges maintaining viral suppression. 19 percent of all people with HIV, compared to 21 percent of cisgender women with HIV, experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety in the past 12 months. — Learn more about symptoms of depression and anxiety among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

Social and economic issues—such as stigma and homelessness—have also prevented some women from getting the HIV care and treatment they need.

Homelessness among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

People who experience homelessness may find it difficult to get HIV care and treatment. 8 percent of all people with HIV, compared to 6 percent of cisgender women with HIV, reported homelessness in the past 12 months. — Learn more about homelessness among cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

Median HIV stigma score among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Cisgender women with diagnosed HIV experienced HIV stigma. On a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 representing high HIV stigma and 0 representing no HIV stigma, all people with HIV had a score of 28, while cisgender women with HIV had a score of 31. The goal is 0 for all populations. — Learn more about HIV stigma experienced by cisgender women with diagnosed HIV.

_{Data for transgender women are not included because the numbers are too small to report.}

_{Median HIV stigma scores are presented based on a ten-item scale ranging from 0 (no stigma) to 100 (high stigma) that measures personalized stigma during the past 12 months, current disclosure concerns, current negative self-image, and current perceived public attitudes about people with HIV.}

_{* The term cisgender women refers to people assigned female at birth who identify as female.}

_†_{Among people aged 18 and older.}

_{Source: CDC. Medical Monitoring Project.}

March 5, 2024

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Content Source:

HIV; National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention

Fast Facts: HIV and Women

At a glance

Fast facts

HIV incidence

Estimated HIV infections among women in the US, 2015-2019*

HIV diagnoses

HIV diagnoses among women by transmission category in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

HIV diagnoses among women by age in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

HIV diagnoses among women by race/ethnicity in the US and dependent areas, 2019*

HIV diagnoses among women in the US and dependent areas, 2015-2019*

Knowledge of status

Women with HIV in the US, 2019*

Behaviors associated with HIV transmission

Sexual behaviors among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

Injection behaviors among women who inject drugs in 23 US cities, 2018*

PrEP coverage

PrEP coverage among women in the US, 2019*†

Viral suppression and barriers to care

HIV care continuum among women with diagnosed HIV in 44 states and the District of Columbia, 2019*

Missed HIV medical care appointments among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

HIV treatment among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

Needed HIV ancillary services among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†‡

Symptoms of depression and anxiety among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

Homelessness among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

Median HIV stigma score among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020†

HIV

Estimated HIV infections among women in the US, 2015-2019^*

Sexual behaviors among cisgender women^* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Injection behaviors among women who inject drugs in 23 US cities, 2018^*

PrEP coverage among women in the US, 2019^*†

Missed HIV medical care appointments among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

HIV treatment among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Needed HIV ancillary services among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†‡

Symptoms of depression and anxiety among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Homelessness among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†

Median HIV stigma score among cisgender women* with diagnosed HIV in the US, 2020^†