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The PARTNER-2 study followed 783 male couples in which the HIV-positive partner had an undetectable viral load and no condoms were used in anal intercourse. If the HIV-positive partner is taking antiretroviral treatment and has a fully suppressed viral load (‘undetectable’), the risk of HIV transmission through anal intercourse is zero.
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The choice of an HIV treatment regimen to use during pregnancy depends on several factors, including a woman’s current or past use of HIV medicines, other medical conditions she may have, and the results of drug- resistance testing. Women with HIV take HIV medicines during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV and to protect their own health. For more information, view the HIV and Birth Control infographic from HIVinfo. Women taking certain HIV medicines may have to use an additional or different form of birth control. Some HIV medicines may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, rings, or implants. However, birth control and pregnancy are two issues that can affect HIV treatment in women. People should start taking HIV medicines as soon as possible after HIV is diagnosed. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Treatment with HIV medicines helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. Treatment with HIV medicines (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) is recommended for everyone with HIV. A woman's risk of HIV can also increase if her partner engages in high-risk behaviors, such as injection drug use or having sex with other partners without using condoms. Age-related thinning and dryness of the vagina may also increase the risk of HIV in older women, because these can cause a tear in the vagina during sex and lead to HIV transmission. For example, during vaginal or anal sex, a woman has a greater risk for getting HIV because, in general, receptive sex is riskier than insertive sex. In women, several factors can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Sharing injection drug equipment (works), such as needles, with a person who has HIV.Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting HIV, because the rectum’s lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the body during anal sex. Having anal or vaginal sex with a person who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV.In the United States, the main risk factors for HIV transmission are the following: HIV is spread through blood, pre-seminal fluids, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.