Question
How can I prevent transmission from my girlfriend?
23 June 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PrEP.
My Girlfriend, she is HIV Positive, and I am negative. How can I be prevented from being HIV positive because I really love her and she told me that she got HIV from her husband. They are now separated, but she thinks I may leave her.
Answer
Hi, how are you both doing?
Is your girlfriend on HIV medication? If she is and she has a viral load below 200 there is no risk. This is explained by U=U. This is supported by a study whereby people on treatment were having sex with their HIV negative partners. At no point was there transmission.
If your girlfriend is not, using a condom is suitable for protection.
Or, you can start PrEP. This is a medication you take yourself. It is used to prevent transmission. You can take it daily or on-demand when you are expecting to have sex.
Josh.