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.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
unprotected sex with viral loas of Zero
Jun 6, 2007
I entered into a relationship with someone who is HIV+ but whose viral count is zero. I am Hiv+ as well but have a 'moderate' viral load. We have unprotected sex. I have not penetrated because of my viral load. Is this safe?
I have heard that cocaine greatly contributes to the increase of viral load. Do drugs and or Alcohol have any affect on viral load or CD4's?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Horwath
No, it is not safe to have unprotected sex. An undetectable viral load does not mean a viral load of zero. Also, an undetectable viral load in the blood does not tell you any information about the amount of virus present in other fluids like semen. Unprotected sex is associated with a risk of transmitting HIV regardless of the viral load, although the magnitude of the risk may vary with the viral load.
Cocaine and other drugs increase the risk of HIV infection because they impair judgment and affect people's sexual behavior. The direct effects of cocaine on viral load are not well understood.
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
|
