POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Jim Allen on February 01, 2023, 06:59:23 am
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[Reposting with permission]
Hi Jim.
I met a boy last month and after a few encounters I was very impressed and he became my boyfriend. We engaged in a lot of kissing (NO anal sex, NO oral sex). Before we were ready to have sex, we both took a rapid HIV antibody test and he was positive. We were both very shocked in the moment.
1. Our only previous behavior was kissing, does this mean that I am not at risk and no further hiv testing is needed?
2. I don't want to break up just because of hiv. But he never received antiviral treatment. Does this mean we shouldn't have sex for 6 months after he starts taking the pill? Can we continue to kiss or receive oral sex?
3. am I a good candidate for PreP?
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[OP, due to circumstances, could not post the question themselves]
Hiya,
Congrats on finding someone, but sorry to hear about your boyfriend's reactive test result.
1)
Kissing and receiving oral sex isn't an HIV risk to you.
2)
Kissing and receiving oral sex isn't an HIV risk to you.
Now, when your boyfriend starts treatment and then has a suppressed viral load (below 200 copies) for six+ months and they continue to take their meds, they can not pass on HIV sexually. See https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71864.0
3)
Your boyfriend's viral load has not been suppressed for 6+ months yet, so could consider PrEP as an additional layer of HIV prevention should you wish to engage in other sexual activities with your boyfriend, also you could consider using condoms or a combination of condoms & PrEP.
Hope that answers your questions and I wish you both all the best.
Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV
Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.
Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.
Kind regards
Jim
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