Q and A

Question

I've recently started seeing someone who has HIV and need advice regarding sex and risks

Answer

Thank you for your question.

The risks of transmission through sex depends on the type of sex you are having such as oral sex, anal sex or vaginal sex. It will also depend on whether or not either of you has additional STIs and whether your partner is on treatment.

For more information on prevention please follow this link.

For information about the risks during oral sex please see these previous questions.

For information on the changes in level of risk for people on HIV treatment please follow this link.

Many HIV-positive people have partners who are HIV-negative for many years without the HIV-negative person becoming positive.

Safer sex works. Condoms work, especially when they are used carefully and properly. Finding out about this will help you both feel more relaxed and in control of this aspect of your life. If your partner is on HIV treatment, or starts treatment in the future, the risk of transmission drop to tiny levels, even if the condom was to break or slip off.

Good luck with your new relationship. I hope everything goes well.