Advertisement
Professionals >> Visit The Body PRO
The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
  • E-mail E-Mail
  • Glossary Glossary
  • Bookmark and Share Share

 

Can I infect my partner?
Jan 25, 2001

I have none detectable VL and a Tcell avg. 450 and have been such for over 9years. My partner is suggesting its ok to have unprotected anal intercourse and feels as the passive partner he cannot become infected since my my VL is non detectable and I am healthy. Can he become infected by me?

Advertisement
   Response from Dr. Remien

Yes, he certainly can. It is good for you that your viral load is undetectable. That means that right now your virus is replicating at a low rate and therefore causing "less" damage to your immune system than if it were replicating at a much higher rate. HOWEVER, HIV is still in your system and is still replicating. AND, it can still be transmitted to others. While the risk of transmitting it (likelihood for it to happen) "may" be less (research findings are actually mixed), it can still happen. It can still happen because, as I said, the virus is still in your body and still replicating. Also, the viral load of your blood (which is what is tested) can be different from the viral load in other parts of the body, including genital secretions (e.g., seminal fluid (cum)). And, viral load tends to fluctuate and is not static. Which means it can be different from day-to-day, and may not be the same today as it was when you were last tested.

The bottom line: HIV always has the possibility of being transmitted to another when you are living with HIV. I understand the desire to do away with condoms (at least once in awhile) for the sake of intimacy and pleasure. But you need to realize that there is some risk in doing that.

Be well and continue to take care of each other.



Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.

Advertisement