Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Header block
cropper
update

1-800-773-7066

add Row
add block
Block 4
Row 1
3 Minutes Read

Is It Safe For An HIV-Positive Person To Have Unprotected Sex With Another HIV-Positive Person?

When both partners in a sexual relationship are HIV-positive, they are called HIV seroconcordant sex partners. Having anal or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected person when you're HIV-positive yourself is a good strategy to lower HIV transmission. However, seroconcordant sex partners are still at risk of acquiring other STDs through unprotected sex. Moreover, there is always a strong possibility of reinfection or superinfection in such partners. 



RISKS OF UNPROTECTED SEX IN HIV SEROCONCORDANT SEX PARTNERS

Previously, seeking HIV-positive partners was a documented strategy for HIV transmission risk reduction in HIV-positive people. Unprotected sex between two partners who already have HIV seems harmless. However, it is not without its fair share of risks.


Unprotected sex between two HIV seroconcordant partners carries the risk of what's called reinfection, or a superinfection. Studies have shown that HIV-positive people can still be re-infected with other genetic variants of the virus from their HIV-positive partners. The newly acquired variant of the virus might be resistant to that person's medication and may cause a flare of symptoms in an otherwise controlled environment.


Reinfection with a different HIV variant may lead to genetic recombination of these viruses, resulting in what's known as superinfection. HIV superinfections are very difficult to treat and manage. In addition, these infections can be resistant to multiple (or all) drugs included in ART therapy. Although the prevalence of superinfection among HIV seroconcordant partners is low (around 4%), the consequences of such infections are harsh. Many people in such situations experience extreme symptoms. Therefore, protective measures should be undertaken for the prevention of superinfections.


Another risk that unprotected sex among HIV seroconcordant partners carries is the transmission of other STDs. Having HIV makes you more prone to acquiring other STDs, which is why so many HIV-positive people in the U.S. have concurrent STDs as well. These sexually transmitted infections can complicate the course of your HIV and even limit your treatment options.


LOWERING THESE HEALTH RISKS

Taking protective sexual measures is important even when both partners have a positive HIV status. This is due to the complications that arise with superinfections and the transmission of other STDs. Simple protective measures go a long way in making the course of your HIV much smoother. Here are some of the measures that you and your partner can take to protect yourself from such complications:

  • Using condoms for anal, vaginal, or oral sex
  • Using a new condom for every new sexual encounter
  • Taking anti-retroviral therapy regularly
  • Ensuring that your partner takes their medication regularly as well


Sometimes, it can be challenging to introduce condoms into your sex life if you have unprotected sex with your partner for a long time. Talking to your partner about the associated health risks is crucial in such situations. Talking to a healthcare physician or even a sex therapist may help convince your partner of the health and sexual benefits of using a condom.


Another important aspect to keep in mind is to keep your doctor updated about your sexual practices. For example, if you practice unprotected sex with your HIV seroconcordant partner, your doctor might want to know this information when formulating your medical plan of care. They might also need to know this information in case a serious complication arises.


HIV

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
05.29.2023

How Can You Cure an STD Without Going to the Doctor?

Can you cure an STD at home? No, there is no scientific evidence to support this.The only effective cure against all STDs is to get tested as soon as possible and take medication designed to kill the pathogen causing the disease.Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are effective in treating several different STDs.There is no other proven alternative therapy for sexually transmitted diseases.What happens if an STD is left untreated? It can progress and cause more damage to the body.Getting treatment for an STD is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you.The best thing to do if you experience any symptoms of an STD is to visit your healthcare provider.You can protect yourself from ever acquiring an STD by taking precautionary measures such as wearing a new condom before every sexual encounter and getting tested for STDs regularly.
05.24.2023

Can You Catch Herpes More Than Once?

Herpes: Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can cause herpes infections through oral and genital contact.Catching Herpes More Than Once: It's possible to catch herpes again even if you've had it before, but chances are slim. Reinfection with herpes is rare.Recurrence vs Reinfection:Recurrence: This happens when a past herpes infection resurfaces, triggering the same symptoms without new exposure to the virus. It's linked to the virus living dormant in the body, often in the ganglions, and resurfacing due to certain triggers.Reinfection: This is when a person is re-exposed to the herpes virus, resulting in a new disease process. It requires a new exposure event and can occur with different HSV strains.Recurrence with HSV-2: Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause recurring infections, but HSV-2 is more strongly associated with recurrence over the years. Recurrences may be triggered by stress, other health conditions, and other STIs.Reinfection with Another Strain: You can get re-infected with herpes, including a different HSV strain. This is because having herpes once doesn't provide lifelong immunity against the virus. The antibodies produced during the initial infection mainly tackle the initial infection but offer little protection against future infections.Prevention Measures: Reinfections can be avoided by practicing safe-sex behaviors, which include:Using a condom before every sexual actUsing a new condom with a new partner every timeLimiting the number of sexual partnersRegularly getting tested for STDs.
05.19.2023

Why Are STDs So Common In Florida?

Florida is a popular tourist destination with warm weather, sandy beaches, and a lively nightlife. However, the state is also known for its high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In this article, we will explore why STDs are so common in Florida. One of the main reasons for high STD rates in Florida is the lack of sex education in schools. According to the Guttmacher Institute, only 26 states in the US mandate sex education in schools, and Florida is not one of them. Even in schools that do offer sex education, the quality and comprehensiveness of the curriculum can vary widely. Without adequate education, people may not know how to protect themselves from STDs or understand the importance of regular testing.Another factor contributing to high STD rates in Florida is the lack of access to healthcare, particularly among low-income and uninsured individuals. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured people in the country, which can make it difficult for them to access healthcare services, including STD testing and treatment. This lack of access can lead to untreated infections, which can then be passed on to others. This is why IMG Health Clinic was founded.Additionally, Florida has a large population of older adults who may not have received sex education when they were in school and may not be as comfortable discussing sexual health with their healthcare providers. This can lead to a lack of testing and treatment, which can contribute to the spread of STDs. Another factor that contributes to high STD rates in Florida is the state's tourism industry. Millions of visitors come to Florida each year, many of whom are looking for a good time and may engage in risky sexual behaviors. This can lead to a higher prevalence of STDs in the state, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Miami and Orlando.Finally, the stigma surrounding STDs can also contribute to their spread. Many people may be hesitant to get tested or disclose their infection status to their sexual partners for fear of judgment or rejection. This can lead to the continued spread of STDs and can make it difficult to control their prevalence.To address the high rates of STDs in Florida, it is important to increase access to comprehensive sex education and healthcare services, particularly among low-income and uninsured individuals. It is also important to reduce the stigma surrounding STDs and encourage regular testing and treatment. By taking these steps, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of STDs in Florida and improving the overall sexual health of its residents and visitors.If you or someone you know is concerned about possible infection, please contact your physician or IMG Health Clinic immediately.
add Row
add block