Sex and newly started meds

[Séan_Dublin]

Hey,

I know unprotected sex is a no no until you have been confirmed as U, but I was just wondering risk wise, how risky is protected sex whilst being infectious? Information doesn’t seem to be too clear from what I have been reading?

(I was infected early June and began treatment early July)

Thanks,
S

[leatherman]

until you have been confirmed as U

it's until you have sustained UD for 6 months

how risky is protected sex

condoms prevent about 92% of HIV transmission

[Jim Allen]

So after being UD for 6 months, sexually passing on HIV is not an issue. You would, of course, be at risk like everyone else to other STI's. The clinic you attend might offer STI screenings during appointments, I know mine does at the Mater.

HIV can't transmit through an intact latex or polyurethane condom. However, incorrect or inconsistent usage is an issue to its effectiveness.

As for other STI's, the level of protection condoms offer also varies on differences in how infections are transmitted. Some infections are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact during viral shedding that may infect areas not covered by a condom.

Best, Jim

http://ec.europa.eu/research/press/2003/pr2010-hiv-en.html

During the last 15 years, the European Commission has financed several research projects aimed at studying, (directly or indirectly), the use of condoms as a preventive measure against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. These projects were carried out not only in Europe, but also in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of the HIV epidemic is at its highest. All the studies concluded that the male condom was an effective way of preventing the transmission of HIV, with an efficacy close to 100% when the condom is used appropriately.

https://www.who.int/hiv/mediacentre/news/condoms-joint-positionpaper/en/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1016/S0968-8080(04)24151-9