Last year, a study called HPTN 052 proved that HIV-positive people who take an effective antiretroviral regimen as prescribed (and as a result have an undetectable viral load for at least six months) can reduce their risk of transmitting the virus to HIV-negative sexual partners by up to 96 percent. Our March survey asked whether the study findings have affected your sex life. Here are your responses.

How many sexual partners have you had in the past year?

  • None – 20%
  • 1 – 21%
  • 2 – 12%
  • 3-5 – 21%
  • 6-10 – 8%
  • 10+ - 18%

What is your relationship status?

  • Single and/or dating – 62%
  • In a committed, monogamous relationship – 24%
  • In an open relationship – 14%

Is your partner/spouse also HIV positive?

  • Yes – 33%
  • No – 60%
  • I don’t know – 7%

How often do you use a condom? (24% of you say the results of HPTN 052 make you less likely to DO SO.)

  • Always – 43%
  • Occasionally – 17%
  • Never – 13%
  • Depends on the partner I’m with – 27%

In response to decreased risk of transmission due to effective treatment…

  • 56% of you think people will feel more comfortable around you.
  • 49% of you think people will be more willing to have sex with you.

92% of you know that treatment can lower the risk of transmission.

53% of you say the results of HPTN 052 make you less worried about transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner.

86% of you say that the idea that treatment can lower HIV transmission is an incentive to go on or adhere to treatment.

Source: March 2012 POZ Survey