Super infection

This is when a person becomes infected with more than one strain of HIV. Even if both people are HIV positive, it’s important that you and your partner still use condoms and lube every time you have sex because you could become super infected with a different version of the virus that may have different drug resistance and be more virulent.

Serodiscordant couples

Serodiscordant couples are couples where one partner is HIV positive and the other HIV negative. Such couples can have a long, healthy and enjoyable sex life without transmitting the virus, as long as they use condoms consistently every time they have anal or vaginal sex.  Condoms are the best way to protect you and your partner against the HIV virus, as they prevent its transmission.  If you have any concerns or wish to seek any advice, get in contact with your nearest NZAF Centre.  Our therapeutic staff specialise in working with serodiscordant couples.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• like HIV, STIs such as gonorrhoea and syphilis are on the rise in New Zealand, particularly among gay and bisexual men
• unlike HIV, STIs can be easily transmitted through oral sex
• STIs such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia make people more vulnerable to HIV
• syphilis makes HIV four times easier to transmit and receive. For people living with HIV, syphilis progresses faster and does more harm.

Signs to look for

• excessively itchy penis, arse or balls
• burning feeling when you go to the toilet
• gooey discharge from your penis
• sores on your penis, lips or tongue
• Copper coloured rash on your feet, hands or body
• Frequent urge to go to the toilet.

IMPORTANT: Not all people show symptoms if they have an STI. So, you do need to test regularly regardless.

Kissing

No risk for HIV infection unless there is blood present.  Even then the risk is very low.

Oral sex

Penile 

Low risk for HIV infection unless there is significant broken skin or gum disease present in your partner's mouth. Pre-ejaculatory fluid (precum) can contain HIV but not in sufficient quantities to transmit the virus. Getting semen (cum) in your partner's mouth increases the risk but there are still very few documented cases of HIV being transmitted in this way.

Vaginal

Low risk for HIV infection unless there is significant broken skin or gum disease present in your partner's mouth.  Like pre-cum and semen, vaginal fluids can contain HIV but in moderate amounts. Exposure to menstrual blood, however, is high risk and a dental dam (a small sheet of latex) should be used as a barrier.

Vaginal sex

Without condoms, this a high risk activity for both the man and woman. HIV in semen can enter the bloodstream through cells lining the vaginal walls, whereas HIV in vaginal fluids can enter a man’s body through the end of his penis or the inner folds of his foreskin.

Anal sex

Without condoms, this is the highest risk activity for both men (insertive and receptive) and women. HIV in semen can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed into the body. The inside of the anus acts as a sponge, absorbing nutrients from food passing through the body. Anything that goes in is also absorbed which is why medicines are sometimes administered this way. There is more HIV in the mucous that lines the rectum than in any other body fluid. It can enter a man’s body through the end of his penis or the inner folds of his foreskin.

Condoms

When used properly, condoms almost certainly stop HIV and help prevent the transmission of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Condoms also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting other STIs like genital warts, herpes and syphilis. Condoms need to be used with water or silicon-based lubricants (lube) to reduce friction and prevent the condom from breaking – plus it helps make the experience more pleasurable for both people. Get free condoms.