Question

Can I really have sex without my partner being at risk?

22 August 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Sero different couples, Support.

Hi there,  I am HIV positive. My CD4 is 159 after 6 month of treatment. At the time of diagnosis it was only 60 only and now my viral load is (target not detectable (TND).

Can I have sex with my HIV negative partner?

I am afraid kissing and smooching is risky. I am not comfortable I am afraid what to do I have not had sex last one year. I don’t want to be reason to give same horrible thing which I got.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks – you are doing really well on treatment. Your CD4 count is steadily getting strong and TNF mens that your viral load in undetectable (U=U).

U=U means that as well as being good for your health, your meds are also protecting your partner as well.

I understand that you worry about your partner, but many of the things you mention are zero risk anyway. Kissing each other is very safe even without being on treatment. It is also really safe to have sex using condoms, if this is something that would make you feel more confident and less nervous.

It must be very difficult for both or you to not touch each other any more – or to kiss. It must make the relationship difficult if you both otherwise want to be close.

Please see the information about U=U here to learn about this extra protection from treatment though.
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

Please also show this to your partner if they are worried.

This is so safe that many heterosexual couple safely have children from regular sex – without the other person or the baby becoming HIV positive.