How do rape victims fit in your philosophies? I agree people should be considerate and use protection, be forthcoming etc but please remember not everyone had a choice.

There is a little boy in Maine who's father deliberately injected him with HIV contaminated blood to avoid paying child support. Dad is in prison for life but the child is still HIV positive and has been for about 8 years. It is an extreme example but it is a true example and everyone needs to know that HIV is no longer the "gay disease" and anyone can get it----even from a selfish sociopathic parent---at any age.

If you know you are infected, hence taking the meds, would it not make more sense to abstain?

@Bill...it's really too bad your father couldn't "keep it in his pants".

Bill, what man in general, gay or straight, can keep it in their pants? I'm not gay and I have trouble myself! What does this article have to do with young boys? Oh that's right, you just throw an ignorant jab because you are filled with prejudice. Got it. By the way, this study involved mostly heterosexual couples.

Datsun, take your own advice. Instead of being in love with someone or being married to someone, eat ice cream. The world is quickly becoming dangerously overpopulated and I'm thinking heterosexuals such as yourself are to blame. Do the planet a favor and eat ice cream instead please. You're becoming worse than roaches.

Did you like being compared to roaches? Next time you mouth off about a group of people in such a disrespectful manner, take a look at the group you belong to first.

Also, since you seem to have problems with reading comprehension like most of the bigots who commented on this page; this article is mostly about heterosexual couples, which make up well over 90% of the population living with HIV.

Thomas, you are a idiot.

The point is if you are gay or bisexual here in the US and are not in a long-term totally monogamous relationship, and are sexually active, you should NOT be afraid to get tested on a regular basis for HIV and other STDs. Its easy, painless and usually takes very little time to get checked plus clinics and organizations that do testing have very strict guidelines when it comes to confidentiality. Don't let the fear mongers and ignorant bigots prevent you from doing the right thing for yourself and future partner(s). Be good to yourself and get tested!

Rape victims are such a small percentage it is irrelevant. Stop being an apologist for deviant and dangerous behavior that IS A CHOICE.

What I find truly disturbing is the amount of prejudice and ignorance that still surrounds this disease. AIDS and HIV do not care who you are. They will infect any and all. The simple truth is that everyone who is not in a committed, long-term relationship should be practicing safe sex. We all know that doesn't happen. I am as guilty as anyone else of having unprotected sex. Until the day comes when everyone - gay or straight - practices safe sex, knowing that there is something that can potentially curb the spread of the disease is good news.

Thank god the insurance caps are going away.

Sadly the HIV medication is way to expensive, and some in congress want to do away with funding for the Ryan White act and several prevention programs.

lexiwords - They could abstain from sex once they know they are infected. Gays have no self-control and seek immediate gratification which leads to unprotected sex.

The first recognised cases of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s (more about this period can be found on our History of AIDS page). A number of gay men in New York and California suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers that seemed stubbornly resistant to any treatment. At this time, AIDS did not yet have a name, but it quickly became obvious that all the men were suffering from a common syndrome.

Bill keep your prejudice to yourself. No male over the age of about 14 can keep it in their pants. It's not a gay thing, it's a testosterone thing. Males think about sex every 6 seconds....if you don't, then there's something wrong with YOU not them.

Anyways, to address the original point about cost of HIV meds, most of this research was performed in Africa where they don't exactly have insurance like we do. Additionally, companies like Gilead have given their drugs away for free in 3rd world countries, furthermore, allowing generic manufactures to sell to 3rd world countries at reduced cost while the brand name is still on patent here in the US. So yes, it may be $20,000/year for Americans with health insurance, but for the poor African child it's basically given free (thus, why they try to charge $20,000 for those who can "afford" it). These companies are not the evil bloodsuckers the media makes them out to be, especially when it comes to the under-developed world. Try looking at today's FDIL for more information.

Shawn

Abstinence programs do NOT work!!!

Tomorrow I get to deal with about 50 HIV positive teen's from all over the
state of Illinois for the weekend. Telling a hormonal teen to abstain from sex
does not work at all. All you can do is educate them on HIV prevention and hope
they make the best choice. Could you abstain from sex the rest of your life? I
already know the answer to that question. My case and point is the Catholic
church... as we all know there are more priest having sex than not. If a priest
who is educated and groomed to abstain from having sex can not manage it. What makes anyone think an average teen/person could?

It would be a tough one if you're that young, however, at my age, it wouldn't be that tough. You could also look for a partner who may be in a similar situation.

Shawn - most HIV positive individuals do not even know they are infected. That is why it is extremely important for society to promote safe sex practices, including abstinence, and offer free testing/screenings. Abstinence is not the only answer, condoms, when used properly, are effective in preventing HIV transmission up to 99.9% of the time. We need to educate young people on sex education and then allow them to make these decisions on their own.

Roger, Bryan- The article states that if you know you have HIV and start the meds quickly "Is the best way to lower chances of transmitting the HIV virus" I simply stated that if you know you have HIV, your best chances of not spreading HIV is to abstain. I didn't say it would work, and I didn't say it was easy. I simply stated that you need to decide if possible transmission to your partner is worth having sex.

I know plenty of poz/neg couples that have had an active and healthy sex life for nearly 15 years. They practice safer sex...they know the risks...

I have dated guys that are hiv+ and have taken all of the necessary precautions. It is an educated and understood risk for all of the parties.

You are entitled to your opinion but please don't judge something you are not in a position to.

Don't judge? Are you kidding me? We're talking about people dying of a horrible disease taking chances with people's lives that they are supposed to love, or at least care about! My father and daughter are both gay and I support both of them and will be at my dad's wedding this August. I am not anti-Gay! I am pro doing the decent thing. Sex at any cost is just stupid.

I am not saying you are anti gay, I never suspected that at all. If my post insinuated that you were, I am sorry. That was certainly not my intent. On a side note, Congrats to your father. :)

What I was trying to say what works for you may not work for other folks. My friend's viral load is undetectable. He takes his medication and both he and his partner take all of the normal precautions. There has been full disclosure and both are willing to accept the risks.

I also have a friend that will not date anyone who is HIV negative because of his fear of passing the disease on to them.

HIV and AIDS is truly a horrible disease and how it impacts someone has various nuiances.

If all parties are informed, understand and know the risks, then let it work for them. Just my opinion, and again, I am sorry if my previous post accused you of being anti gay. You clearly are not.

Gregorovich

I hate seeing the 1984 mentality on HIV in the year 2011. I can tell you are not educated in the field of HIV.You really should educate yourself about HIV before you opening your mouth.

Here is a fact you might not know... HIV Positive men and women can give bith to healthy HIV negative babies. Just think about that.

This isn't the early eighties of last century and you seem to have problems with reading comprehension since you've obviously learned nothing by reading the article displayed above. You seem to be totally ignorant of what HIV meds do to help the human body and how they work, maybe you should do a little research first before spewing out your lies due to your pathetic ignorance on the matter Gregorovich eh? Furthermore, if you're here to bash a group of people by accusing them of living an unhealthy lifestyle you should take on the millions and millions of unhealthy fat people who are giving themselves heart disease, diabetes, and all types of cancers due to their unhealthy eating habits and unwillingness to exercise. Last of all, how dare you attack a group of people, many of which have had to put up with disgusting discrimination and bigotry for no reason, many of which are still treated as second class citizens by this country's gov't (except of course when it comes to collecting taxes from them). Gregorovich, do me and the rest of the world a huge favor and don't breed / reproduce any spawn please. Mmmkay?. Too many misinformed bigoted fools like you running around in the world can only lead to disaster. Hope you don't take this message too personally since I see you only as just another typical fool, but it really bothers me to see bigots posting.

Good point Roger.

This article is talking about serodiscordant couples. 1 has HIV, one does not. These are human beings with complicated dilemmas in their lives, not unlike like each one of us. I think it is wonderful that researchers have made progress in helping these couples love and make love, and opening new opportunities for future generations to conquer this epidemic.

People with HIV, and serodiscordant couples, should not be seen as ones who need to be outcast to the edges of abstinence. Sex is nature, it is instinct, it is not practical to just say "eat a bowl of ice cream" or even worse, abstain from sex! Due to all the valuable research on HIV over the years, there are many hopes available now to HIV+ individuals that were simply not there just a few years ago. Many HIV+ patients can now live complete lives, never reaching AIDS status, and die of other natural causes unrelated to HIV/AIDS status. In these cases, HIV+ was a more like a chronic illness rather than a terminal one. Imagine what the future holds?

And yes, 2 HIV+ parents can naturally conceive, and give birth to, HIV- children. Its amazing.

Sorry, but I think the risk is greater than the reward. I think it is possible to have a wonderful relationship without sex. You guys can say what you will, but AIDS can be a death sentence and to knowingly have sex with your partner who does not have AIDS is not a good thing. I don't believe I am stuck in the 80s. I've just blown a few condoms in my time and have had birth control pills that didn't work perfectly and several other incidents that have taught me that there is only one foolproof way of complete safety.

Greg, sorry, I had to chuckle: "...have had birth control pills that didn't work perfectly" - does that mean you are a father? I think that is the result of an imperfect birth control pill is pregnancy.

I hear your sentiments, and I understand them. And, in many cases you may be right that it is possible to have a wonderful relationship without sex. But not in most cases. In fact, in your own comment, you sound like one who practices a high risk lifestyle - blown condoms, untrustworthy birth control pill consumers, sounds like these are not just romps within your monogamous relationship. So, you could be breaking a condom with someone who is HIV+, have you been tested?

Thus article is talking about committed partners for the most part. Couples, even married couples. Until death do they part. You are essentially correct in your solution, but have you really asked yourself, "how practical is my solution"? So, this study helps us move forward to get around the impracticability of your current answer - but there is still a LOOOONNNG way to go. This study volunteers are pioneers in HIV/AIDS research and should be commended. I can't even begin begin to imagine the stress these couples must go through with these heart wrenching decisions.

Gregoravich, go without sex for the rest of your life with your spouse since you obviously believe spouses who truly love each other do not need to have sex if their love is true and even then you would not have the right to ask other loving couples to do the same. Also, you ARE still living in the eighties and in denial if you believe HIV meds aren't working.

@Gregorovich: Your assertion is that anyone who is HIV positive should stop having sex with anyone who is HIV negative because HIV is a "death sentence". So let's extrapolate.

By your logic, Gregorovich, that means that anyone with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) should also stop having sex. After all, Human Papilloma Virus is sexually transmitted, highly contagious and recognized as the cause of cervical cancer, the fifth most common cancer among women worldwide. The 5 year survival rate for women diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer is good--80% to 90%. The numbers are not so rosy for women with Stage 2 cervical cancer as only 50%-65% will survive longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Even lower, 25%-35% of women with Stage 3 cervical cancer will survive 5 years post diagnosis. And a mere 15% of women with Stage 4 cervical cancer will survive 5 years post diagnosis. So, if we follow your argument regarding HIV and abstinence, surely anyone with HPV should be expected to abstain from sex, right? Of course, that's a difficult expectation since HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Epidemiologists believe that 75%-80% of sexually active adults have been infected with HPV. Moreover, some of those infected with HPV are carriers of the disease--able to infect their sexual partners even though they show no signs of the disease themselves.

Now, let's return to your belief that HIV is a "death sentence". You are mistaken, Gregorovich. HIV is no longer a death sentence. The medical establishment now considers HIV a chronic, manageable disease, much like diabetes. A person diagnosed with HIV today can expect DECADES of health with current medical knowledge and technology. There will surely continue to be gains made in these areas that will further extend the lives of those who are positive. That outlook is a helluva lot better than it is for a woman diagnosed with Stage 2, 3, or 4 cervical cancer. And, according to this article, a person who is treating their HIV is unlikely to infect their partner.

So, given that information, Gregorovich, who should stop having sex...the people with HIV who are unlikely to infect a partner but whose partner will live for decades if they happen to contract HIV...or the people with HPV who are HIGHLY contagious to their sexual partners who will have a much less rosy outlook for survival if they happen to develop Stage 2,3, or 4 cervical cancer as a result of their HPV infection?

I am female, so...no I am not a father. : )

I also have been faithfully married for many years. I have also reached the age where I have met many, many couples who have a marriage without sex. You want me to accept that people with HIV that are on meds should sleep with those who are HIV negative? Boy, that's asking a lot.

Please, my love, I know you might suffer and die, but look at it this way...you also PROBABLY won't? Wanna go?

You guys can argue this thing every way but sideways, and I still think that the risk outweighs the reward.

If this were your adult son or daughter's partner...would you want your child to take that risk?

I disagree. I respect your POV but I disagree.

Rugby - Are you saying that gay men have no self control? They can't keep their zipper closed?

There ought to be a jail sentence for knowingly having sex when you are carrying HIV.

You can disagree, but giving someone you "love" a deadly disease is the complete opposite of love. To love someone is to seek what is good for that person. The greatest good that person has is her life and health. HIV/AIDs is a horrible disease and injures the person in every way; physically, psychologically and spiritually. No one can truthfully and rationally say "I love you" and at the same time give them a deadly disease.

Wow you seem to be such an expert on love! I feel so honored to have this opportunity to ask such an expert as you about love! Is lying such as you are doing considered "love"?

Bill, I am not suggesting that at all. I disagree with his point of view that abstence is the only answer. I know several people that have lived in a poz/neg status for years.

I respect his point of view, I just disagree with it.

The CDC 2010 report on HIV/AIDs in the gay/bi community clearly states that HIV/AIDS in the gay community is out of control. This report states that 2% of the U.S. population is gay/bi male, yet the men in this 2% who have HIV/AIDs, make up over 50% of ALL HIV/AIDs in the U.S. So less than 2% of the U.S. population accounts for over 50% of ALL HIV/AIDs in the U.S. That is insane! This is the only group in the U.S. where the disease is spreading. Obviously handing out condoms and education is NOT working.

So what is your point again? Did you bother reading the article above? Your little peanut brain seems to have a problem computing some information. HIV meds work and do what they are supposed to do when they are taken as they should be. Is that hard to understand? I don't see any way of putting it more clearly.

Educate yourself about HIV before you open your mouth.

Roger is it not a FACT that HIV was brought into this country by a gay man?

The first recognised cases of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s (more about this period can be found on our History of AIDS page). A number of gay men in New York and California suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers that seemed stubbornly resistant to any treatment. At this time, AIDS did not yet have a name, but it quickly became obvious that all the men were suffering from a common syndrome.

Billy,

Well if it was a gay man, he ain't happy any more.

I hate seeing the 1984 mentality on HIV in the year 2011

So Roger - What did you learn from the story? If you are gay and are infected with HIV then make sure you start your medication early but continue your risky lifestyle?

Makes absolutely no sense to me.

Bill, do the world a huge favor and don't breed.

What did I learn?... I learned this was about heterosexual couples and had nothing to do with being gay.

-Bill

Actually, though AIDS was prominent among gay men in the early 1980's, the traced origin came from infected monkeys. (see link below) Don't blame gay men. The virus could have just as easily been spread by heterosexuals. And it is today, look at Africa. Fact is, AIDS isn't selective. It infects whether you're white,black, straight, or gay. Also, AIDS isn't just spread through sexual contact. A LARGE number of infections occured because of unmonitored blood transfusions and accidents in which many emergency personel were in contact with blood.

That being said, perhaps you should focus your passion about this subject on something that would actually make a difference, like awareness, instead of hate and blame towards a group you OBVIOUSLY have biases towards.

Bill, are you suggesting we spank the monkeys behind this disease? Spank.

DC,

Are you saying it's safe to have sex with an HIV infected person? Doesn't sound like a good idea. Go for it, if that's what turns your crank.

Homosexual behavior and drug addiction are abnormal deviant behavior. The reason these people have and spread this disease is a lifestyle CHOICE!! The general public should not have to pay for this immoral behavior. More immoral not so much because they are weak but because they expect us to accept and pay for their deviant behavior.

So if you don't ingest infected fluids from infected individuals into yourself, you are saying the infection risk is basically zero?

I absolutely agree. You should get tested no matter what your sexual orientation.

It's to late.... the Bible breaters say the world is ending on May 21st, LMAO.

So, GI John, get down off the cross because someone else needs the wood!!!