[Exercising sexual and reproductive rights: a qualitative study of heterosexual people with HIV in Mexico].

OBJECTIVE To analyze experiences of heterosexual Mexican people living with HIV (PLWHA) related to the exercise of their sexual and reproductive rights. MATERIAL AND METHODS Qualitative study based on 40 in-depth interviews with PLWHA in four Mexican States. RESULTS Lack of support and counseling limits the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights by PLWHA, especially women. Principal limitations include feelings of frustration and confusion, fear of re-infection, scanty information, lack of power to negotiate condom use, social stigma and discrimination, and limited access to services and adequate technologies. CONCLUSION To increase awareness and exercise of rights by PLWHA it is necessary to: improve sexual education; promote processes of cultural change to combat gender inequality and stigma and discrimination; and provide timely and scientific information about HIV prevention.