Question
Why is my viral load undetectable without treatment?
11 March 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hello I tested positive twice and both times my viral load is undetectable before starting any ARVs.
Is that possible? And what does that mean?
Thank you
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email. It is very unusual to have an undetectable viral load without treatment, but a very small proportion of HIV positive people, known as elite controllers, have undetectable viral loads less than 50 copies/mL for years without treatment. This is very rare and only about 1-in-300 HIV positive people are elite controllers.
It is important to continue to have your viral load monitored, and also to check your CD4 count. The CD4 count measures how strong your immune system is- have you had this test done?
If your CD4 count is high, and your viral load remains undetectable it is unlikely you will need to take ARVs at this time, but it is important to keep being monitored for any changes.
Hey Roy,
I tested negative and my girlfriend tested positive 3 weeks ago how is that possible because we have never used protection before
Hi Gabotepele,
It means you’ve been lucky, as Q 5 here explains: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions Now that your partner is aware of their stauts, until their viral load is undetectable they’ll be a risk, therefore you’ll need to use condoms.
Hello we just found out that my partner is hiv positive and was not on treatment and we have been having unprotected sex for six months but when i tested i found out i was negative.
What does this mean
Hi Gerald,
Is your girlfriend taking ARVs? If she is and her viral load is undetectable this will explain why you’re negative. Please see here: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/ If her viral load isn’t undetectable, you’ve basically been very lucky.
Hi,
So i recently found out my girlfriend is hiv posite and we have been having unprotected sex for six months but when i tested i found out i was negative.
Could you kindly advisw what tje reason for thos might be.
Hi Jay,
A persons viral load will only decrease if they are on medication. Though if they are an elite controller it will stay roughly the same without medication. Unless you’re an elite controller then you’re going to need to take ARVs.
Hi,
Can your VL decreases without taking ART?
My VL has been 0 to <40 for 17 yrs. Some ppl maintain low VLs without meds. Elite Controllers or Long term non progressors. So it is rare but I'm one.
Hi Tami,
It’s great that your viral load is less than 20. It looks like your HIV meds are working well.
But at the moment there is no other treatment to help you maintain an undetectable viral load like this. So unfortunately it can’t be maintained naturally.
Please see ART in Pictures for more info about HIV treatment and viral load.
My viral load is less than 20, what can I do to maintain this naturally