Question
Can I still have a relationship?
26 September 2012. Related: All topics, Sero different couples, Support.
My CD4 count is over 300. Can I get married or build a relationship?
I told my negative girlfriend that I was HIV positive, and she was shocked! Should I have told her?
How do I avoid infecting her? At what level of CD4 can I start having sex with her?
How can I convince her that we can make our relationship work? She stopped calling when I told her but now she has started calling me and sending encouragement messages. How can I work it out with her? I love her.
Also, does marijuana stop HIV replicating?
Answer
Hello,
i-Base is a treatment information service and unfortunately I can’t give you relationship advice. But being HIV positive shouldn’t stop you getting married or having a relationship.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve have problems with your relationship since telling your girlfriend. Finding out your partner has HIV can be a big shock. It sounds like things are getting better though. It might help you both to talk to a counselor or support group. There are also online forums such as poz.com where you can talk to other positive people.
Your CD4 count doesn’t relate to when you can and cannot have sex. If you use condoms when having sex your girlfriend is not at risk of being infected. Please see our guide to testing and sexual transmission for more information.
Marijuana does not have any affect on HIV. The only way to treat HIV is to use ARVs. In most countries it is recommended that you start treatment when your CD4 count is under 350. Have you started treatment yet?
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