U=U

Two black men enjoy a drink in the sun

Being HIV positive and having an undetectable viral load means you won’t pass on HIV to your partners.  When a HIV positive person takes their treatment, within 6 months, they can become undetectable.

So, if a HIV positive person is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load there is zero risk of transmission. Undetectable = Untransmittable.

Black men enjoying drink in the park

Take action!

When you’re on treatment, it’s important to continue to monitor your viral load through regular testing. This is to ensure it keeps lowering, or if you’ve already achieved an undetectable viral load, to help you maintain it.

It’s also a good idea to test for STIs. You may experience more severe symptoms for some STIs which may also increase the risk of onward HIV transmission. Regular STI tests mean we can address any undiagnosed STIs early and keep our partners safe.

If you are living with or affected by HIV and would like support contact George House Trust.

Your other options
Condoms

Condoms are the number one way of protecting yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, viral hepatitis and chlamydia.

Learn More About Condoms
Testing

Most HIV transmission occurs from people who think they are HIV negative, but are living with undiagnosed HIV. This is because when someone is diagnosed, they are offered treatment soon after which reduces the virus to clinically undetectable and untransmittable levels.

Learn More About Testing
Talking

To safely stop using condoms within your relationship, you need to be able to talk openly and honestly with each other about why you want to do it, what the potential benefits and risks might be, the ground rules for sex inside and outside (if any) the relationship and how you’ll deal with any problems that may arise.

Learn More About Talking
PrEP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine for HIV negative people. It is a pill taken before sex to protect the transmission of HIV.

Learn More About PrEP
PEP

PEP is an emergency form of treatment which aims to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV after a potential exposure to HIV.

Learn More About PEP

Emergency Support

0330 128 1186

Free & confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities 

Visit BHA for Equality Website
0161 274 4499

Free & confidential support, advice and advocacy services for people living with HIV

Visit George House Trust Website
0345 3 30 30 30

Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing

Visit LGBT Foundation Website