HIV 101: Does Being Positive Mean I Have to Stop Having Sex?

No, not unless you want to. But we encourage you not to stop. Orgasms can be wonder drugs in themselves: They help you sleep, boost your immunoglobulin levels (which fight infections), and reduce stress and depression. There are ways to protect yourself and your partner, including consistent condom use, PrEP, serosorting, and keeping your viral load undetectable. (Get the deets for gay and bi men in this article, "Condoms Aren't the Only Answer;" for women, many of these stats still apply.) One tip: If you use lube during vaginal or anal sex, avoid two ingredients: polyquaternium and polyquaternium-15, both types of polymers, which may increase the possibility of HIV transmission.