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Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
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Viral Load Test for Semen Secretions?
Aug 18, 2000

I have been told with an undetectable viral load in the blood, the chances of infecting a female partner are very low. My question is, and knowing that a low blood viral load does not necessarily mean an undectible semen level or that HIV is not present in the semen, is there a test that can be used to test the viral load of semen as there is with blood?

Response from Dr. Remien

Yes, there is a test available, but it is mostly used in research settings. Even if you were to seek out the test for yourself, you need to know that the results are variable and affected by many factors. So, an undetectable viral load in your semen at one point in time, would not necessarily mean you would get the same results later that same day or on another day.



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