Recent studies have found the next best thing to a cure for HIV: U=U.
What does U=U mean? U=U stands for "Undetectable=Un-transmittable." A person with HIV who is on effective treatment (like PrEP) will see their level of HIV (or “viral load”) reduced to undetectable amounts in their blood. If a person continues to take their medications every day and maintains an undetectable viral load, that person cannot give HIV to others.
An HIV-positive person with an undetectable viral load can have sex with a partner without fear of infecting them. They may also be able to conceive children through intercourse, instead of through alternative methods of insemination.
There are times when a person who is undetectable should continue to use protection for sex, including:
- To prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- To prevent pregnancy
- If they have multiple partners, or a partner who is concerned about STIs or pregnancy
Learn more from the CDC about getting and keeping an undetectable viral load, and contact your provider with any questions or concerns.
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