HIV, Sex and Sexuality in Later Life

This book explores the experiences of sex and sexuality in individuals and groups living with HIV in later life, considering the impacts of stigma, barriers to intimacy, physiological sequelae, long-term care, undetectability, pleasure, and biomedical prevention.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

After the advent of anti-retroviral therapies (ARVs), a significant number of individuals who were affected by HIV in the 1980s and 1990s have been able to live with the condition for decades. This book, which draws on insights from esteemed scholars from Bangladesh, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ukraine, the UK, and the US, as well as research from India and Kenya, delves into the experiences of sex and sexuality among individuals and groups living with HIV in later life. Contributions explore the profound impact of stigma, barriers to intimacy, physiological consequences, long-term care, undetectability, pleasure, and biomedical prevention (TasP and PrEP). Given the expanding global accessibility of ARVs and the aging population, this book provides valuable insights, practical applications, and implications for policy and research.

Introduction:
The advent of anti-retroviral therapies (ARVs) has revolutionized the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, enabling them to prolong their lifespan and enjoy a better quality of life. However, with the longevity of HIV infection comes new challenges and complexities related to sex and sexuality. This book aims to explore the experiences of sex and sexuality among individuals and groups living with HIV in later life, taking into account the diverse perspectives and experiences from different parts of the world.

Perspectives from Different Countries:
The book includes contributions from leading scholars in Bangladesh, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ukraine, the UK, and the US, who bring their expertise and experiences to the table. These scholars provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by individuals living with HIV in their respective countries. They discuss the impact of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion on the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with HIV, as well as the strategies employed to combat these challenges.

Research from India and Kenya:
In addition to the perspectives from scholars, the book also includes research from India and Kenya, which shed light on the experiences of sex and sexuality among individuals living with HIV in different cultural contexts. These studies provide valuable insights into the cultural nuances and barriers that may affect the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with HIV, as well as the strategies employed to address these challenges.

Impacts of Stigma and Discrimination:
Stigma and discrimination are significant barriers to the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with HIV. Stigma can lead to social isolation, fear of disclosure, and reduced access to healthcare and support services. Discrimination, on the other hand, can result in discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, which can further exacerbate the health and well-being of individuals with HIV.

Barriers to Intimacy:
Individuals with HIV may face barriers to intimacy, including fear of transmission, concerns about disclosure, and physical limitations. These barriers can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life. However, there are strategies that individuals can employ to overcome these barriers, such as open communication, the use of protective measures, and seeking support from healthcare providers and peer support groups.

Physiological Sequelae:
HIV infection can have physiological consequences that affect sex and sexuality. For example, HIV can cause erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and sexual dysfunction. These consequences can be distressing and may impact an individual's self-esteem and relationship with their partner. However, there are treatments and therapies available that can help manage these symptoms and improve sexual function.

Long-Term Care:
Living with HIV requires long-term care and support. This includes managing chronic health conditions, accessing healthcare services, and navigating the healthcare system. Individuals with HIV may also face financial barriers to accessing healthcare and support services, which can further exacerbate their health and well-being.

Undetectability:
The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to the development of strategies to achieve undetectable viral loads, which can reduce the risk of transmission to others. Undetectability has significant implications for the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with HIV, as it allows them to engage in unprotected sex without fear of transmission. However, achieving undetectability can be challenging, and individuals may face barriers to accessing ART and maintaining viral suppression.

Pleasure and Biomedical Prevention:
Sex and sexuality are important aspects of human life, and individuals with HIV should not be denied the pleasure and benefits that come with sexual activity. Biomedical prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. PrEP is a medication that can be taken by individuals who are HIV-negative to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. PEP is a medication that can be taken by individuals who are HIV-positive to reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to their partners.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of sex and sexuality among individuals and groups living with HIV in later life. It highlights the impact of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion on the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with HIV, as well as the strategies employed to combat these challenges. The book also emphasizes the importance of addressing the physiological consequences of HIV infection, long-term care, undetectability, pleasure, and biomedical prevention. By providing a global perspective on the experiences of sex and sexuality among individuals with HIV, this book offers valuable insights and practical applications for policy and research.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447361978