Myth" 3: Men Are the Problem

Shelton notes that in areas where HIV is widespread, women are just as likely as men -- in some areas, more likely -- to be the sexual partner first infected with HIV.

Kathleen Squires, MD, director of infectious diseases at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, says the myth in the U.S. is that HIV is a disease of gay men.

"If you look at newly diagnosed HIV infections, the proportion among women has steadily risen," Squires tells WebMD. "This clearly impedes diagnosis -- and prevention messages. Moreover, HIV disproportionately affects women of color and women in disadvantaged populations."