Understanding Undetectable = Untransmittable
HIV treatment today is very effective. When taken regularly, it can reduce the amount of HIV in the body to extremely low levels, known as ‘an undetectable viral load’.
When someone living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on through sex.
This is known as U=U, which stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable.
What does “undetectable” mean?
A viral load test measures how much HIV is in the blood. HIV treatment works by reducing the amount of virus in the body.
For HIV transmission, a viral load of less than 200 copies per millilitre of blood is considered undetectable. At this level, there is zero risk of passing HIV to sexual partners.
How long does it take to become undetectable?
Most people reach an undetectable viral load within three to six months after starting HIV treatment, as long as they take their medication every day.
Once someone has been undetectable for at least six months and continues taking treatment, they cannot pass HIV to sexual partners.
Important things to remember
- Taking HIV treatment every day helps keep your viral load undetectable.
- Regular blood tests confirm that treatment is working.
- Being undetectable does not mean HIV is cured. Treatment keeps the virus under control.
What about other sexually transmitted infections?
U=U only prevents HIV transmission. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Regular sexual health check-ups are still important.
Why U=U matters
U=U has changed how people understand HIV. It shows that people living with HIV who are on treatment can have relationships, sex, and families without worrying about passing HIV to their partners.
It is also an important message for reducing stigma and supporting the wellbeing of people living with HIV.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch
This short video explains how HIV treatment can make the virus undetectable and stop HIV transmission.
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