Question

Is it okay to start having sex again?

7 April 2010. Related: All topics.

I am HIV positive and my wife is HIV non reactive i.e, HIV negative. We got divorced 3 years ago and from that time I haven’t had any sexual intercourse with anyone. Is it ok to have unprotected sexual relationship with HIV non reactive person? I have started having sexual urges. Is it ok to have protected sex with a sex worker?

Answer

Answer: Winnie Sseruma

Thank you for your questions.

It is perfectly okay for you to have a sexual relationship with anyone you wish to have it with, but it is important have protected sex. It is just as important to have protected sex with women who you pay to have sex with you. It is a criminal offense in some countries to expose others to HIV especially through unprotected sex.

You didn’t mention in your email whether you are on treatment and if you were, how long you have been on it. Viral load is one of the most important risk factors and treatment will bring this down to very low levels throughout your body therefore reducing the risk of transmission (not to eliminate it) to sexual partners.

I hope that is helpful.