Question
Does unprotected sex affect CD4 count?
13 March 2012. Related: All topics, Resistance, Starting treatment.
Both my partner and I are positive.
I recently did my blood test and my CD4 count has dropped from 515 to 112 in a year. I was informed that I had to start medication.
He is not on meds as yet. We try our best to practice safe sex. But can this cause me to become resistant or continue lowering my CD4
Please assist.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry your CD4 count has dropped so quickly fast. The good news in that, your CD4 will increase back to where is was, or higher in some cases, once you start treatment. You may find it useful to read our guide An introduction to combination therapy. The guide explains how treatment works, in more detail.
It is good that you do your best to use protection when you have sex. Unprotected sex will not affect your CD4 count. There is a small chance of resistance. However, this is only an issue if you have a different strain of HIV from your partner. If both of you have the same strain then the main risk of having unprotected sex would be STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
Although HIV positive people can be re-infected with a different type of HIV, the risk of this is probably lower than the risk of catching HIV when you are HIV negative.
On another note, can I ask if both you and your partner are in contact with support groups for positive people? Many find it helpful to share experiences and ways of coping with living with HIV.
You did not specify where you live. However, if you did want to make contact with support groups, your doctor will be able to refer you to one in your area.
Hi Khaya, neither of you are at any risk from your partners HIV is you like having sex without condoms. This has alwasy been one of the nice things about having a partner who is also positive. The undetectable viral load would also protect your partner if they were HIV negative.