Question
How did I get HIV?
26 April 2011. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Newly diagnosed.
I was diagnosed a few months ago and am struggling to understand how I got infected as I have only ever had protected sex. It is possible that one of two people infected me but I used condoms with both of these people. How do you think this has happened?
Before we had sex we were fooling around so is it possible that I got infected that way? I read that pre-ejaculatory semen also has HIV so could this be it? I am confused as I have only ever had protected sex and am finding it even harder to come to terms with the diagnosis as I was always very careful.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It is never easy finding out you have HIV especially when you have been so careful. It is impossible for me to say how you got infected. HIV is present in pre-cum if that helps at all?
Many people live with HIV without knowing exactly how they were infected. The most important thing is learning how to accept your status and how to live with HIV. It might help you to read the section of our website about new diagnosis. It is written by people who have been through the same thing you are currently going through.
If you need any further support them please ring our helpline Mon-Wed 12-4pm.