So you have been diagnosed with HIV, and for most people hearing these results feels like their world has ended. They suddenly see all their plans and dreams as impossible. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The treatment options have come far, and you are going to be able to live a normal and fulfilled life. And as for finding love, don’t worry, the HIV dating community is large and very accepting, so you are bound to be able to find your partner for life. Of course, like with any transmittable diseases, certain adjustments to your lifestyle will be necessary so that you can have a meaningful love life without endangering the other person.
Sex is Still on the Table
Having a rich and safe sex life is still a possibility even if you are HIV positive. You can date within or outside the HIV community. Being able to meet HIV singles has never been easier, either through dating sites or your local support groups. But you need to be aware of what is acceptable and what isn’t when it comes to intimacy. As you probably already know, HIV is not transmitted through saliva, so kissing is definitely on the table. Even French kissing, the only danger is if one of you has a mouth sore or cut, but even then, experts say, the transfer is very unlikely.
There is always room for a lot of cuddling and hugging. However, unprotected sex is definitely off the table considering that is the most common form of transferal for HIV. Using male or female condoms significantly lowers the possibility of either of you catching it. But be careful, even if both partners are HIV positive, protection is still a must, because you could contract a different strain of HIV that could lead to your health deteriorating and a need for a therapy change. Finally, oral sex is also permitted but with the use of a condom or a dental dam.
Just Be Honest
As you might have concluded from the previous paragraph, all aspects of a healthy relationship are on the table, even if you are HIV positive. Now, to have a more meaningful relationship, you’ll need to make sure you are very open regarding your condition. Whether you want to date HIV singles or someone who is disease-free, you are morally obliged to disclose your condition. And if you see the other person pulling away, make sure you talk in detail about what being HIV positive means.
There is a huge stigma attached to this disease, and sadly people still believe that the only way of contracting it is by having multiple partners. This is not always the case, since there are many other ways you could have contracted it. Also, it is important to keep in mind that women who are HIV positive can have healthy babies and that there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of the baby being born with the disease.
Learn to Love Yourself
You are probably more than familiar with the information shared within this article, and you have researched everything over and over again from the moment you found out you were HIV positive. Still, you feel like your life is taken away from you. Keep in mind that you are not alone. There are a lot of people who are going through the same thing. Sometimes, it is easier for others to accept that you have HIV than it is for you to do that. So the first relationship you need to work on is the one you have with yourself. You need to love this version of yourself, you are still you, and don’t let the disease change you. Then and only then will you be able to go into the world and find love again.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand that having HIV doesn’t mean “game over” for your love life. With just a few lifestyle adjustments you will be back in the saddle in no time.