Question
Will I become HIV positive having sex with my husband?
25 November 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.
I’m asking if a positive man will marry and have sex with HIV negative wife who has a tendency to bleed because of virginity. Will the wife become positive?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No. Having sex with someone HIV positive will not guarantee HIV transmission.
Would the husband be on HIV treatment? When someone is HIV positive on treatment with an undetectable viral load (below 200) there is no risk of transmission, even without a condom.
This is called U=U.
Using a condom will also prevent HIV transmission.
If the husband is not on treatment, or has a higher viral load, the wife can use PrEP. This is a medication used to prevent transmission and can be taken on-demand or daily.
The wife bleeding is not going to cause HIV transmission.
Josh.
Hi Anonymous, I apologise for any confusion. It is important to recognise that having sex with someone HIV positive will not always lead to transmission. Transmission of HIV is complicated and there are multiple factors that need to be considered. This is explained here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/risks-for-transmission
Assuming there is a detectable viral load AND a condom is not used does lead this to being a higher transmission risk. In this case PEP would likely be recommended to be started within 72 hours of an exposure. PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
For more information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi, I have a problem reading the reply, as it implies it’s fine to have unprotected sex with hiv positive person with unknown viral load. Fair to assume a decectable viral load, also fair to assume not using a condom, the behavior indicated in the question bares a major (major) risk for transmission, especially due to the internal bleeding. Actually, you never write about the probability of contracting hiv given the question conditions. Consult with your colleagues about this and I look forward to a reply, hopefully of use also for the person.