to ask if you know that about UU?

[IgorThalia]

If someone who has HIV takes medication for long enough, and doesn't regularly miss a dose, they cannot pass the virus on. If both parties involved are otherwise STI free, they can have sex without a condom and are the HIV free party is not at risk of catching HIV. My partner has HIV and I didn't know about UU until I met him. It stands for 'undetectable - untransmittable'. Apologies if this is a well known thing, however am curious to know how many people are aware of this? Was told on a previous threat when I said my partner has an STI which is currently non transmittable that I need to educate myself about the definition of STI and that he is pulling the wool over my eyes. Interested to know how well known this is...

www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/what-does-undetectable-untransmittable-uu-mean

Thanks for the link Ginger

Sorry, just reread my terrible thread title!

Yes, I knew that.

I’ve heard that U=U, but I still wouldn’t have unprotected sex with someone with HIV. Why? Because to me it is not worth the risk. What if they forgot a dose? What is their current meds stopped being as effective?

Lots of women get pregnant because they “forgot” to that the pill, and I am sure people with HIV forget sometimes too.

I knew that

I didn’t know that, however it makes no difference to me. I wouldn’t take the chance. No way.

I knew- but only because I follow an american instagrammer with an HIV+ husband. She posts HIV info posts.

I still wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable having unprotected sex though.

I knew this, but I used to work for an HIV charity so I’m possible better informed than average.

It’s relevant in other instances too - mothers with an undetectable viral load can’t pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, for example.

I’ve heard that U=U, but I still wouldn’t have unprotected sex with someone with HIV. Why? Because to me it is not worth the risk.

It’s a sensible rule generally not to have unprotected sex with anyone unless you’re in a committed relationship and have both had a recent STI test. But if you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship and you trust your partner to be reliable about taking their medication, it can be safe to have sex without a condom. Of course, you should only do so if you feel absolutely comfortable doing so, and if your preference is to always use a condom that is absolutely valid.

@maskingforit that would be your decision and nobody should question that. Might be different for long term relationships or if ttc. I chose to use a condom with my partner as we are fairly new, and we waited quite a long time before we had sex for the first time. It's good to know however that if a condom breaks however that the chance of it being passed on is zero. It also gives peace of mind to the person with HIV. It massively reduces the stigma.

Yes I have known about it for a long time. But I’m married to a specialist HIV nurse, so I’m pretty good on HIV knowledge.

@MaskingForIt

Of course it’s your choice whether to use a condom or not. But FYI missing a single dose is unlikely to increase viral load to any significant degree. And also patients are regularly monitored to check viral load remains undetectable. If it does rise it usually rises slowly and it is usually picked up before it reaches transmittable levels. Patients are advised to start using condoms at a level a fair bit below where it is likely to be transmitted.

@coldilox exactly what the HIV specialist told me when we went to see him.

I know about it and I think it’s great but as others have said I wouldn’t take the risk, I personally know a HIV positive person who unfortunately suffers badly with their mental health and when in a depressive episode has been known to stop taking the medication. This would be a concern of mine.

I'm glad to hear that. Must be reassuring for people with HIV and their partners. Its certainly not all doom and gloom nowadays is it? More of a long term condition than a death sentence

@Harmarsuperstar that is very true. Medication is now so effective that when the condition is managed properly, medicated appropriately, and supported by any required peripatetic services, then those who have HIV can enjoy perfectly healthy lives with a normal or near-normal life expectancy.

Difficulties can occur in situations where, for whatever reason, the person with HIV struggles to access this level of care. For example, if a person is an intravenous drug user and has HIV they may be less likely to consistently take their medication and access appropriate health care. People who are homeless may also face similar struggles. A lot of the work of the charity I used to work for focused on providing support and advice to people who might otherwise miss out on vital access to healthcare. As with a lot of illnesses, access to treatment is more of a barrier than treatment itself.

I did not know this. Thanks OP.

I did know this. It's an incredible achievement for the science/medical community.

I would add that as NHS standard std testing only covers HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis, condoms are useful (even though they don't fully protect against) to minimise the risk of herpes SIMPLEX (HSV) and HPV.