I have a good friend who works at the Burgh Aids Taskforce, and we discussed this, as well as the pretty much proven fact that HIV won't transfer via oral sex.
Originally Posted by Devo
It's a shame they aren't telling people the actual truth, then.
It's a lower risk than other forms of sexual activity. The risk is
nonzero.
Prep is very popular in the gay community, and I get the feeling they are attempting to get any gay or bi men who are active sexually to start the regimen.
Further, I have read of "Cured" patients who have levels of the virus so low, that they can't pass it along to another person.
I personally think its extreme for the occasional hobbyist especially if you do CFS only.
You could probably do as much to avoid HIV by choosing carefully what demographic of person you patronize, as some groups have much higher rates than others.
Originally Posted by Devo
The "demographic" myth is a problem, because you may be banging around with someone who doesn't fit your "demographic" analysis who
is banging around with someone who does.
There are tons of folks with viral loads low enough to not transmit HIV. To achieve that probably means years of HAART. That means side effects like lactic acidosis, myopathy, suicidal ideation, elevated glycerides and heart attack risk, and all manner of kidney ailments. It can cost thousands of dollars a month. Yeah, you can live with HIV if you have money, are in pretty good health, and are willing to make lifestyle changes forever.
The gay community has taken to it because the risk of HIV transmission from anal sex is relatively high.
If I provided or hobbied daily? I'd think about it. I'm willing to live with my current risk profile, but I don't try to delude myself on what the latter means.