Question
My viral load is undetectable, can I transmit HIV through oral sex?
2 March 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.
I’ve been HIV+ for 3 years and been undetectable for 2 years. My partner is HIV-.
The last time we had sex he gave me a blow job and I returned the favor as well. I’m a bit worried I could have infected him. Is it possible even if its just a blowjob?
Thank you!
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Because you have an undetectable viral load there’s no risk of you having infected your partner when he gave you a blow job. Also, because you’re undetectable if you choose to have sex without a condom the risk of transmission would be close to zero. For more info please see the results of the PARTNER study:
https://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
Hi Dong,
We don’t have resources to answer more questions about HIV risks and HIV testing. But all FAQs are answered here.
I’m scared to death, 2 weeks ago, someone gave me a blowjob, then I’ve learned that he is hiv pos. But undetectable and taking medication. Now, I’m having a diarrhea and I didn’t go to the clinic yet for a check up because of my work sched. Can i get infection for what he did to me. Please help.
Thank you in advance.
Dong
Hi Samantha,
It’s great that your partner is taking HIV meds. How long has he been taking them? Most people become undetectable within three months.
But the time to undetectable can vary between different people. For example, it can depend on how high viral load is when you start treatment, and what HIV meds you are taking. There’s more info at this Q&A.
Once his viral load is undetectable and stable the risk to you is zero. Please see more info at Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) here.
Um HIV negative but my partner is HIV but he is on his medicine am I at risk and how long does it takes to be undetectable
Hi Enhle,
It sounds like you’ve done all you can. Maybe your partner just needs some time to get used to the idea. If you haven’t already you may wish to share this with them: http://i-base.info/qa/14531
I have been living with HIV for 20 years. My viral load has been undetectable for years now & I still am on my ART medication & I have no problem taking my meds until I die.
My problem is that I told my now partner about my status, to my amazement my partner was uninformed (as educated as he is) about HIV at all.
It has put strain into our relationship, so much that he said he is afraid. The good thing is I told him before we got to be sexually active.
I shared information I got from this page with him….I hope & believe that the information will bring light unto him….
Hi Oscar,
If you continue to take your medication as prescribed and do not miss or take doses late, then the risk of HIV health problems in the future is very low. That’s because taking ART like this can keep your viral load at undetectable.
Life expectency for someone taking ART is similar to someone who is HIV negative. Please see more info on the question here.
can some one remain unditectable for ever when taking art?
Hi Dories,
Yes, there is PrEP. This is taken before you have sex without a condom. Please see here for more info about PrEP.
But is your partner taking HIV treatment (ART)? If they are, and viral load has been undetectable for several months, HIV cannot be transmitted. Even if you don’t use condoms. Please see undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) here.
Has your partner has just started ART? You can ask at the clinic for PrEP until your partner’s viral load is stable and undetectable.
is there any tablets or protection exept condoms to use for sex? since my partner is diagnose and im negative.im fear that ill also be infected.