What about sex and relationships?

Some people when they are first diagnosed HIV+, feel it is the end of their sex life; if they are single, some HIV+ feel it will be impossible to have another relationship. This is not necessarily the case. Now that you know you are HIV+, you can take steps to protect yourself, current or future partner(s)’ sexual health by practising safer sex. Despite being HIV+ many people have maintained or established new relationships. There are many HIV+ people who have partners who are not infected; some HIV+ people meet other HIV+ people whom they form relationships with.

Safer sex for HIV+ people is important for many reasons:

• Preventing the spread of HIV
• Preventing other sexually transmitted infections (STI's) which are thought to speed up the progress of HIV in damaging the immune system
• Preventing some HIV related illnesses (opportunistic infections) which may be transmitted sexually (e.g. cytomagolvirus CMV)
• Avoiding transmission of strains of HIV that are resistant to some anti-HIV treatments
• Avoiding unwanted pregnancy

HIV can affect relationships (whether only one or both partners are HIV+), it is important that you attempt to discuss issues wherever possible. However, it is important to remember that partners and carers need support too and that they are not always comfortable in talking to the HIV+ person about their feelings or concerns. Some partners need to have their own space to talk about how their partner’s HIV status affects them.

* Please be aware that some people have been prosecuted for ‘deliberately infecting others with HIV’ and been given a custodial sentence. YOU are responsible for your own behavioiur.*