Areas of Future Viral Load Research

Researchers have increasingly used measurements of genital viral load as well as blood viral load to learn more about how reproductive hormones, contraceptives, and immune cells influence viral loads in women. It has been noted that viral load and the level of certain HIV drugs fluctuate throughout the course of a single menstrual cycle. This could have an impact on drug dosing and timing of viral load tests in women. More research is needed to determine if women should start treatment earlier than men, and if so, at what viral load level. Understanding more about sex differences in viral load will lead to better care for HIV+ women.