When it comes to your sexual health, remaining knowledgeable and generating liable selections is important. Just one dilemma that usually occurs is whether or not it is really harmless to have sex with someone who is HIV optimistic. Many myths and misinformation encompass the subject matter of HIV. In this posting, our purpose is to debunk those people myths, split down the stigma around HIV, and support you to make an educated final decision if you are thinking about finding intimate with anyone who is living with HIV.

Understanding HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a sexually transmitted an infection that weakens the body’s immune technique, making people today a lot more vulnerable to infections and conditions. It truly is usually transmitted through sexual call, sharing needles, or from a HIV good mom to her infant through childbirth or from breast milk.

Debunking HIV Myths

There have been various myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS for many years. Whilst we have manufactured development in comprehension the virus and assisting persons living with HIV, these myths continue on to persist. Right here are a several popular myths you could have heard about HIV:

Myth: HIV can be transmitted through everyday get hold of.

Reality: HIV is not transmitted by means of casual speak to this kind of as hugging, shaking palms, or sharing utensils. Neither is it distribute by saliva, tears, or sweat. It is transmitted by specific overall body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, usually by means of unprotected anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles.

Myth: Only gay adult men can catch HIV.

Point: Though the LGBTQIA+ communities are more frequently connected with HIV, anyone – no matter of age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation – can grow to be contaminated with HIV. In actuality, fifty percent of all new HIV diagnoses were being in heterosexuals (49%) in England in 2020, compared to 45% in gay and bisexual males.

Myth: You only capture HIV if you have a great deal of unprotected intercourse with unique companions.

Truth: Anyone can catch HIV – it could be your initial or fiftieth time. No a single deserves to be judged or stigmatised for the reason that of it.

Fantasy: HIV/AIDS is only a challenge in certain nations.

Reality: HIV/AIDS is a world-wide problem that impacts persons in all elements of the entire world, no matter of nationality, race, or socioeconomic standing. The prevalence and effects of HIV may well fluctuate concerning locations, but any person can be at hazard of HIV infection, and everybody warrants entry to avoidance, treatment method, and help services.

Fantasy: HIV can be transmitted via mosquito bites.

Actuality: HIV simply cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. The virus cannot endure or replicate within mosquitoes and therefore cannot be transmitted from a single individual to an additional by means of mosquito bites.

Myth: HIV can be remedied by substitute therapies or herbal cures.

Reality: At present, there is no treatment for HIV. Even though antiretroviral remedy (Artwork) can efficiently manage the virus, letting individuals with HIV to dwell extended and healthier life, there is no scientifically confirmed get rid of.

The Evolution of HIV Transmission Danger

Advancements in HIV treatment in recent many years have been a gamechanger for people residing with HIV. It is really probable for an infected individual to are living a extended and healthier everyday living, and have associations and sexual associates. We can set this down to two most important components:

Undetectable Viral Load: Successful HIV treatment results in an “undetectable viral load”. This indicates an infected person has an exceptionally minimal threat of passing HIV to their sexual associates. This notion is known as “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U). When the virus is suppressed to undetectable stages in the blood, it becomes very unlikely to be transmitted sexually.

PrEP: Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionised HIV prevention. When taken constantly, PrEP has been proven to be remarkably effective in lowering the possibility of HIV transmission.

So what is PrEP, and why is it critical?

PrEP will involve using a every day medication called Truvada or Descovy, which incorporates a mix of antiretroviral medicine. It is suggested for persons who are HIV negative but at threat of contracting HIV. If you are courting someone who is HIV good, you ought to choose PrEP. You could also take into consideration using it if you have unprotected intercourse with a number of partners or go to intercourse get-togethers.

How does PrEP function?

PrEP will work by blocking the HIV virus from setting up a lasting infection in the body. The medicines in PrEP create a barrier that stops HIV from multiplying and spreading in case of publicity. When taken constantly and as recommended, PrEP can minimize the danger of HIV infection by up to 99%.

Protected Intercourse Techniques

If you happen to be using PrEP – keep in mind that it does not protect you in opposition to other sexually transmitted infections. Combining various prevention approaches presents the maximum amount of security in opposition to HIV and other STIs. Listed here are some common safe and sound sex recommendations:

• Connect: Truthful and open up interaction is critical in any marriage, specifically when talking about sexual wellbeing. If you are contemplating acquiring intercourse with a person who is HIV optimistic, have a conversation about their position, their remedy approach, and their viral load. This facts will enable you to make an informed decision and put your thoughts at simplicity.
• Check often: If you’re getting sexual intercourse with an contaminated individual, consider an HIV exam regularly. With HIV or any other STI the most important thing is realizing your position, so you can get obtain to treatment if you have to have it. HIV testing is effortless with iPlaySafe – you can get a household STI tests kit below.
• Use condoms: Employing condoms all through sexual intercourse is a person of the most helpful techniques to cut down the danger of HIV transmission. Condoms act as a barrier, preventing immediate get hold of among bodily fluids. Often guarantee you use a latex or polyurethane condom for penetrative sexual intercourse.

What if I’ve by now had sex with an individual with HIV?

If you have experienced prospective publicity to HIV (e.g., condom breakage or unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV constructive husband or wife), you should really consider Write-up-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP consists of using antiretroviral medications for a month and should be started out inside 72 several hours of the publicity. If your associate is on efficient treatment method for their HIV infection, this will prevent HIV transmission (because U = U) nonetheless it is finest to contact a health care supplier or go to your community A&E immediately to focus on your predicament.

Other factors to contemplate

The psychological component

Getting sexual intercourse or staying in a connection with an individual who is living with HIV can provide up thoughts and considerations. Misconceptions and fear gasoline the existence of HIV-linked stigma and discrimination even nowadays. Teach oneself about the realities of HIV transmission and therapy to obstacle any preconceived beliefs you could have.

Trying to get specialist guidance

You may well want to uncover a specialist HIV clinic or communicate to a healthcare skilled who performs in sexual wellness. They can give you assistance based mostly on your precise situations. Local sexual health and fitness clinics supply private and non-judgmental services. They can provide you with counselling and info about prevention solutions like PrEP and PEP. They may possibly also give assistance teams or methods for people in associations with HIV positive associates.

Expertise is Electric power

In summary, when you are both armed with awareness and getting the right precautions, it is safe to have sexual intercourse with another person who has a optimistic HIV standing.

Keep in mind, if they are on helpful HIV therapy and have an undetectable viral load they have an exceptionally small likelihood of passing HIV to you. The notion of U=U has served to reshape our comprehending of HIV transmission, and this combined with PrEP is a quite powerful tool for preventing HIV infections.

People dwelling with HIV can have safe and sound, satisfied, and fulfilling sexual intercourse lives! If you nonetheless have any thoughts or fears, speak to your companion about how you sense.