Question
If we have the same strain of HIV is it safe to have unprotected sex?
30 July 2010. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Newly diagnosed.
Hello
Me and my partner just tested positive for HIV. We have been together for almost 2 years. He infected me but he didn’t know that he was positive. We are in a monogamous relationship and have since the beginning. My question is since we share the same HIV can we have unprotected sex we have both been tested and are free of any other STI’s.
Neither one of us has started treatment yet but I just picked up my prescription of Atripla today.
Does the answer change if both partners have started treatment?
Or if only one partner has started treatment?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
If you are infected with the same strain and neither of you has any resistance to HIV treatments then there should be no problem with you having unprotected sex.
The only time unprotected sex between two positive people can become a problem is if one person has resistance to some HIV treatments. You can check resistance to HIV treatment with a simple test. Both you and your partner should have had a resistance test when you were diagnosed. This is important for you as you are just starting treatment. You should talk to your HIV doctor about this.
If you are starting treatment and your partner isn’t then you would have to make sure you are very adherent to avoid resistance occurring. This means being careful to take every dose of your meds at the right time and as they are prescribed. If you develop resistance, this could be transmitted to your partner.
If you are adherent then there is no reason why you can’t have unprotected sex with your partner.