LIVING WITH HIV

 Testosterone Injections or Gels: Which Choice Is Better?
To increase my testosterone levels, I get an injection of testosterone enanthate once every two weeks. Is that better or worse than just using a testosterone gel, such as Androgel or Testim?


 Must-Have Supplements for HIVers
Which do you think are the most important nutritional supplements -- and the ideal doses -- for someone with HIV?

	"From Faeries Series #1," 2002; Derek Jackson Visit the November 2008 Visual AIDS Web Gallery to view our latest collection of art by HIV-positive artists! This month's gallery, entitled "Salute," is curated by HIV Plus: Health + Spirit + Culture + Life.

 Will Starting HIV Treatment Early Keep My Partner Safer?
I was very recently infected with HIV, and I have a detectable HIV viral load. I know that HIV treatment guidelines don't recommend starting treatment immediately, but I'm wondering if I should. My partner, who is negative, feels that taking HIV meds will lower my viral load and my risk of transmitting HIV to him (even though we never have unsafe sex). Does this make sense?

HIV TREATMENT

 Liquid HIV Treatment?
I may be starting HIV treatment soon, but it's almost impossible for me to swallow large pills. Would it be possible to take my HIV meds in liquid form?


 The 411 on Taking Atripla
I'm taking Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/FTC) and have a lot of questions regarding the best way to take it. Can you tell me more about the timing of my doses, food requirements and whether drinking socially while I take Atripla is at all dangerous?

HIV FACIAL/BODY FAT

 Sculptra Helped My Face, but What About My Hips?
I'm about halfway through Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, New-Fill) treatments to treat my facial wasting. I'm happy with the results, but what can I do about the lack of fat in my hips? My butt is in as bad a shape as my face used to be.

OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

 Was I Sexually Infected With Hepatitis C?
I'm HIV positive, but I've been pulled off all HIV meds because a routine liver function test came back abnormal. Since then, repeated liver function tests have shown very high enzyme levels. My doctors think I may have been infected with hepatitis C! Is this possible? I don't drink alcohol or do any drugs, but I did have receptive, unprotected anal sex in which I bled afterwards.


 Does HIV Worsen Psoriasis?
Can psoriasis become more severe because of HIV, or is an outbreak more likely caused by the stress of being HIV positive? I've heard that because HIV causes an imbalance between CD4 cells and CD8 cells, this can somehow make psoriasis worse.

	HIV-Positive Women: Beware of Online Dating! (A recent post from the "Living With HIV" board) I just want to let you know that there are scammers on HIV-positive dating sites. They know how vulnerable we are and they are ready to attack as quick as they can. They will tell you how much they love you and how they want to marry you. They will also mention that distance is not a barrier, because they know if they get what they want you will never find them. They are quick to ask if you are on Yahoo! Messenger. If you get asked for money, immediately block that person because you will never see them, let alone find them, and your money will be gone. -- capri75 Click here to join this discussion thread, or to start your own!

HIV TRANSMISSION

 Does "Undetectable" Mean "Unable to Transmit HIV"?
What does it mean to have "undetectable" HIV? What are the risks of becoming HIV positive from a person whose HIV is "undetectable"?


 Is Anal Sex With an HIV-Positive Woman Safer Than Vaginal Sex?
I'm interested in an HIV-positive woman who says she'd rather have anal sex than vaginal sex. She says her HIV disease isn't active or full-blown. If I'm gentle and use lots of lube, would it be OK to have unprotected anal sex with her?

YOU YOUR LABS

 What Do My CD4 Count and Viral Load Numbers Mean?
I just got my lab results back, but I don't know what they really mean. My CD4 count is 412 and my viral load is 36,700. My doctor says both readings are still considered "normal." Is he right?

NEWS VIEWS

 When to Start HIV Treatment: The Debate Continues
What are your thoughts on recent research regarding when to start HIV treatment? Do you think that soon the guidelines will recommend starting treatment when a person's CD4 count is even higher than 350?


 Obama and an HIV Cure
Do you think that Barack Obama's election to the U.S. presidency could help bring us closer to a cure for HIV?

STRANGE BUT TRUE

 If You Need Help, Please Hang Up and Dial Your Psychotherapist
I used a motel telephone recently, and I didn't realize until afterwards that there was something that looked like blood on the buttons and near the earpiece. If it was blood, and the person it came from was HIV positive, could I have been infected with HIV through my ear canal when I used the phone?

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