How to have sex with an HIV-positive partner safely?
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If a person is diagnosed with HIV, this cannot but affect his relationships. There is always a risk that the virus can be transmitted to a healthy partner. The worst scenario is when the infected person is unaware of their condition. But it greatly increases your chances of infecting your soulmate, says Marilyn Henderson, director of the Institute of Sexual Health Medicine in Austin.
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But HIV is not a death sentence. Detection of the virus is not a reason to stop having sex. You can still be intimate, but you need to know how to keep yourself and your partner safe. Follow all instructions. Even conceiving a child is not a problem.
Chances of catching HIV through anal and vaginal sex
To stop worrying about the risks, it”s important to know what type of sex puts your health at greatest risk. Heterosexuals are more likely to become infected with HIV after vaginal intercourse, and women are more vulnerable. According to Dr. Henderson, the risk of infection in men is half that of women.
The Centers for Disease Control says the most dangerous type of sexual activity is anal sex as a recipient. In this case, the likelihood of infecting passive partners is 17 times higher than during vaginal intercourse. Men who have sex with men in an active role are also at risk of contracting HIV, but their chances are one in 13 compared to partners who receive sex.
Condoms are a lifeline
Condoms, when used correctly and regularly, significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The receiving partner need not worry as condoms provide 73% protection for him and 63% protection for the other party.
Condoms work more effectively during vaginal intercourse. When worn correctly, a woman”s chances of becoming infected are reduced to 15-20%. Please note that condoms do not provide 100% protection and there are other aspects that require attention.
How to have sex safely with an HIV-positive partner
Today, HIV infection is not such a big problem. You can have sex without infecting your loved ones. In patients who fight HIV with antiretroviral therapy, also known as ART, the levels of the virus in their blood, semen and other secretions drop dramatically. Then HIV becomes “invisible”. It is not read in a blood test and does not cause any discomfort to anyone. This reduces the chance of infecting your partner to zero.
Read also: Is it possible to have oral sex and is it safe for men and women?
Oral love is considered a preliminary foreplay to passionate sex. Sometimes, however, people are content with just that, without any sexual content.
No less effective means of pre-exposure prophylaxis are being considered. They contain the virus — do not allow it to completely infect the body. During this treatment, you will need to take anti-virus medication daily. It is important to retest for HIV and be examined every three months to receive new recommendations.
Post-exposure prophylaxis is used in emergency situations. This treatment is intended for people who have recently had unprotected sex with an infected partner. The medicine is effective as long as the person is within 72 hours of possible exposure.
Mr Henderson added that people already infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases were more likely to become infected with HIV.
Life and sex with HIV
Can you get infected through kissing or oral sex?
To date, there are no precise studies to answer this question. Experts generally say the virus is more difficult to transmit through oral sex, but the risk increases with other sexually transmitted infections. A person can become infected if the gums bleed or come into contact with menstrual blood.
“You have to practice fellatio carefully,” Henderson recalls. “The risk increases if semen enters the mouth.
Pregnancy with human immunodeficiency virus
The good news is that women who are HIV positive can safely give birth to children without telling them about the infection. The main thing is to plan everything in advance and think through every step. If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor, discuss the details and make a plan accordingly. It all depends on your health and whether you are taking antiviral medications.
If you are unable to conceive, there are other options. For example:
HIV can significantly impact relationships between partners and sometimes threaten sex life. Of course, people are not only for sex. Hugs, kisses, and emotional connection—all of these things make people feel loved. However, sex plays an important role in the “act of love.”
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