Q and A

Question

Is U=U really true?

4 May 2018. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Living with HIV long-term.

Hi,

I see lots of info on U=U, but is it really true?

If my viral load is undetectable is my partner really protected?

thanks

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Yes. Once viral load is undetectable, HIV is no longer a risk to partners, with or without a condom.

U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable (or Uninfectious).

ART is not only good for your health, but once viral load has been undetectable for a few months, HIV is not transmittable – even without using condoms.

This link has more info on U=U.

This link answers questions about U=U. For example on how and why U=U works, the importance of adherence etc.

10 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Roberto, no you cannot pass on HIV to your partner. A viral load of 52 is excellent. When on treatment with a viral load this low it is impossible to pass on HIV via sex without a condom.

    This is called U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

    It means undetectable (any viral load below 200) equals being unable to pass on HIV.

  2. Roberto •

    Hi I base,I am hiv positive and my current viral load test result is 52 copies,my question is,can I infect my partner with hiv ?

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Irene, yes you can do both of these things. Breastfeeding is suitable even if you are undetectable (baby will be given their own medication). Being undetectable means you cannot pass on HIV via sex and you do not need to use a condom. U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

  4. irene •

    Hi everyone I want to ask when you are undectable can you still breastfeed and have unprotected sex

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Maru,

    The good news is that if your viral load is detected at 40 copies, it means you’re undetectable. And so you cannot transmit HIV, even if you don’t use condoms. Any viral load result below 50 copies means HIV is undetectable.

    Please see U=U for lots more info.

  6. maru •

    my viral load is less than 40 but the result is detected is it possible to transmit HIV even i have less than 40 copies of viral load

  7. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Angel,

    Being undetectable refers to blood as well as semen, therefore there’s no risk.

  8. Angel •

    Hello everyone,

    I am currently undetectable and want to bring up the possibility of not using condoms during anal intercourse with my partner. I am worried that (sometimes I bleed from irritation) as the HIV+ bottom, blood from my rectum will infect him. Even if I am undetectable, is there still a risk for transmitting the virus?

  9. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Kwajo,

    Starting HIV treatment usually means there’s a dramatic drop in viral load in the first week or so. But then the drop is slower until you get to under 50 copies/mL, which is undetectable. 92 copies is not far above undetectable. It might just take another month or two. So it looks like your treatment is working. Many people on HIV treatment now have a life expectancy similar to someone who is HIV negative.

    But it’s wrong to sack you because of your diagnosis. What country do you live in? There could be an organisation there that can help with this.

  10. kwajo •

    I have hiv and hbv. my first vL was 14000cp/ml
    I was practicing as a nurse when I got a prick from a patient . I have been sacked from work because of my diagnosis . just last month I had my viral load test and it was 92cp/ml. I have been on treatment for 3months. I’m really sad and depressed. I’m single; no child. I’m just worried. my life expectancy?