Rather than just a health milestone, having an undetectable viral load appears to have become an identity among some gay men living with HIV, aidsmap reports. Publishing their findings in AIDS Education and Prevention, researchers conducted a series of qualitative interviews with 25 Canadian gay men who contracted the virus between 2009 and 2012.

Most of the men said they refrained from sex for a period following their diagnosis, with the fear of transmitting the virus to others weighing on their minds. As they did transition back into having sex, they adjusted to new challenges as well as possibilities. Difficulties around discussing their HIV status with new partners led some to seek out sex with other HIV-positive men or to avoid anal intercourse altogether.

Achieving an undetectable status eased this transition and gave the men a greater sense of sexual choice and opportunity. Some reported having sex without a condom after becoming undetectable, while others still preferred to use condoms for intercourse after achieving an undetectable viral load.

The study participants indicated that some gay men are starting to define themselves not necessarily as HIV positive first and foremost, but as undetectable, specifically on their dating or hookup app profiles.

To read the aidsmap article, click here.
 
To read the study abstract, click here.