If you're living with HIV, to keep yourself and you're sexual partners safe it's also important to use condoms and lube every time you have sex.

Kissing

No risk for HIV infection unless there is blood present.  Even then the risk is very low because HIV does not survive easily in saliva.

Oral sex

Low risk for HIV infection unless there is significant broken skin or gum disease present in your 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 intercourse

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 intercourse

Without condoms, this is an extremely high risk activity for both men 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 the other way is also absorbed which is why medicines are sometimes administered in 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.

Special considerations for people living with HIV

Super infection

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. Even though both people are already HIV positive, there is a risk of super infection, where one person can become infected with more than one strain of the HIV virus or a strain that is more resistant to treatments than the strain they had.  Super infections tend to be more virulent.

Serodiscordant couples

Serodiscordant couples can have a healthy and enjoyable sex life, as long as they use condoms consistently and every time.  Condoms are the best way to protect you and your partner against the HIV virus because they prevent the transmission of the virus.  If you have any concerns or wish to seek any advice, get in contact with your nearest NZAF Centre.  Our therapeutic staff offer counselling on all issues relating to HIV and specialise in working with serodiscordant couples.