What is U=U? HIV undetectable = HIV untransmittable
Being “undetectable” means that traces of the HIV virus in the blood are so low that medical tests can not find HIV. It doesn’t mean HIV has been cured, it just means it’s so low it’s undetectable. This means that when someone says they’re undetectable, it means they’ve have reached a point with regular treatment that the HIV virus is not detectable and they cannot transmit HIV to sexual partner.
How long does it take someone with HIV to become undetectable?
Everyone reacts to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is differently. Once started, it takes time to become undetectable, and that time will vary from person to person. For most, there is an almost immediate reduction in the viral load and infectiousness as soon as therapy begins. Maintaining an undetectable viral load with treatment for at least 6 months is important to ensure the virus isn’t transmitted to another person.
If I meet a guy who’s undetectable do I still need practice safe sex?
If you just met a guy who says he is utilizing “Treatment As Prevention (TasP)” or is undetectable, it’s always important to still consider using safe sex measures for casual sex and random hook ups, This is because at some level you are taking their word for it.
It’s not to say they’re being dishonest. They may be well meaning and forthright, but maybe not as good at maintaining a consistent treatment as they should be. Most important is when his last viral load test was. If you want to have unprotected sex, make sure he has at least a 6-month sustained viral load.
Even when a person’s viral load may be undetectable, there are other STI’s to remember. When in question, it’s always a good idea to utilize some form of safe sex however including PrEP for HIV, DoxyPEP for common STI’s or condoms for all of it.
If I’m undetectable on treatment, can I have unprotected sex without transmitting the virus to others?
By getting into treatment and staying in treatment, you can sustain an undetectable viral load. Countless scientific studies and data prove that undetectable = untransmittable. Once you get to undetectable, and you’ll be creating a healthier you, and making sure the virus isn’t transmitted.
If you’re just starting out treatment, safe sex should continue to be practiced. If you are in a relationship or headed into one with an HIV-negative partner and want to lose the condoms there are options.
First PrEP is 99% effective when taken daily by the HIV-negative partner, and that a person living with HIV who has a sustained, undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to a partner.
When I become undetectable, can I stop taking medication?
No. Becoming undetectable and staying undetectable requires continuous treatment. You have to remain on and consistently adhere to treatment to stay undetectable and stop the virus from replicating inside your body.
If you stop taking medication, HIV will pick right back up and get back to attacking your immune system. Not only can your health deteriorate but your risk of transmitting HIV dramatically increases. Additionally, if you don’t adhere to the treatment plan as prescribed by your doctor, the HIV in your body could become drug-resistant.
How often should I get my viral load checked?
If you are HIV+ and are on active treatment, your provider will have you on a consistent treatment plan that includes lab testing to have your your viral load checked at least every three to six months.
We would like to thank RipplePHX for much of the information discussed here.
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