Heterosexuals

The number of people newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK who contracted the virus through heterosexual sex, either in the UK or abroad, is increasing. In 1999 heterosexual sex overtook homosexual sex as the most common route of transmission among new HIV cases overall.

In 2006, heterosexual transmission accounted for 61% of those diagnosed in the UK. However, the overall risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual sex in the UK remains relatively low. The majority of people diagnosed in the UK with HIV transmitted through heterosexual sex were actually exposed to the virus overseas, often in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa where it is more widespread.

Statistics

In 2006, there were an estimated 36,400 people aged 15 to 59 living in the UK who had contracted HIV through heterosexual sex. Of those 21,658 were women, and 14,742 men.

Those infected with HIV through heterosexual sex account for:

• 41% of all HIV cases overall in the UK
• the highest proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases in each year since 1999
• 59% of new HIV cases in 2005, up from 31% in 1996
• 49% of the total cases presenting for care, which is more than any other group (MSM now account for 42%)

Amongst people living with HIV who are heterosexual:

• 25% of women, and 38% of men, are unaware of their infection
• many women are diagnosed by routine testing during pregancy
• women aged 25 to 34 and men aged 30 to 39 are the groups most likely to be diagnosed

The number of people newly diagnosed with HIV from heterosexual sex in the UK rose from 156 in 1999 to 750 in 2006. Many of these were probably infected by partners exposed to the virus abroad.