What does "undetectable" mean?

"Undetectable" means your HIV medication (antiretroviral therapy or ART) has lowered the amount of HIV in your body to a very low level. It's so low that a standard lab test can't find it. This is the main goal of HIV treatment.

Being undetectable doesn't mean you are cured, but it does mean the virus is under control. It also means you can't pass HIV to your sexual partners. This is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), which is a scientific fact.

For people living with HIV and their partners, this can bring a lot of freedom and peace of mind. To stay undetectable, you need to take your medication as prescribed and get regular lab tests.

I'm undetectable. Do I still need to worry about HIV?

Yes. Being undetectable means you can't pass HIV to your partners through sex, but it's still important to look after your health.

You should continue with your regular health checkups and get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It's also good to have open conversations with your partners. If you have partners who are HIV-negative, you can tell them about PrEP, a medicine that prevents HIV. Our partners at PrEP2Me can provide more information.

Is being undetectable safe?

Yes, being undetectable is very safe for both you and your partners.

For you: An undetectable viral load means HIV is under control in your body. This lets your immune system stay strong and lowers your risk of getting sick from HIV-related illnesses, helping you live a longer, healthier life.

For your partners: When you are undetectable, you cannot pass HIV to them through sex. Major studies have proven there is zero risk of transmitting the virus sexually when your viral load stays undetectable.

This can help you have a healthy sex life without worry. It's still a good idea to take care of your overall sexual health, which includes getting tested regularly for other STIs.

What are long-acting HIV injections?

Long-acting HIV injections are a new way to treat HIV that can free you from taking daily pills. Instead of a daily pill, this treatment involves getting two shots from your healthcare provider during a regular clinic visit.

The injections work just like daily pills to keep the virus suppressed and help you maintain an undetectable viral load.

For many people, switching to shots means they no longer have a daily reminder of their HIV status and don't have to worry about missing a pill. It's a great option for anyone who wants to simplify their treatment routine while staying healthy.

What is an HRA test?

An HRA, or High-Resolution Anoscopy, is a simple test that lets your doctor check the health of your anal canal. It helps find any unusual cells that could become a problem later on, like anal cancer. The test is a lot like a colposcopy, which is used for cervical health exams, but it's specifically for the anal area.

High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) is an important preventative care procedure, especially for individuals living with HIV who may have a higher risk for HPV-related issues.

Here's what to expect during the process at MyUndetectable:

Expert Examination: Your doctor will use a special magnifying tool to get a close look at the tissue inside your anal canal.

Early Detection: This magnified view helps them spot any changes that can't be seen with the naked eye, allowing for early detection.

Easier Treatment: Finding these changes early makes them much simpler to treat.

Our providers will make sure you are comfortable and cared for throughout the entire procedure.

Do transgender people need to worry about HIV?

Yes, anyone can get HIV, no matter their gender identity. Transgender women and men can face specific risks.

For example, studies show that transgender women, particularly Black and Latina trans women, are affected by HIV at higher rates. Trans men who have sex with cisgender men also have a higher risk.

MyUndetectable provides judgment-free and gender-affirming care for everyone. If you are transgender and have questions about HIV risk, treatment, or how HIV medicines work with hormones, our team is here to help. We also suggest that HIV-negative partners learn about PrEP through PrEP2Me.

What should sex workers know about being undetectable?

Sex workers can face extra challenges, like dealing with stigma and having a hard time finding healthcare. But reaching and keeping an undetectable viral load protects both you and your clients.

If you are living with HIV and take your medication as prescribed, you cannot pass the virus to others through sex.

Our team understands that sex workers need healthcare that is private, respectful, and free of judgment. We make it easy to schedule appointments online, get treatment quickly, and connect you to other services like STI testing through Central Outreach and hepatitis C care through our partner, HepCMyWay.

MyUndetectable is here to support the sexual and overall health of sex workers.

What is a Viral Load test?

This test measures how much HIV is in your blood. It's the best way to see how well your treatment is controlling the virus. The main goal is to get your viral load to an "undetectable" level, which means the amount of virus is too low for the test to find.

What is a CD4 test?

This test checks the number of CD4 cells in your blood. CD4 cells are important because they help your body fight off infections. For people with HIV, this test shows how strong your immune system is and how well your treatment is working.

What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?

This is a general health check that looks at different substances in your blood to see how your liver and kidneys are working. It helps your doctor make sure your body is handling your HIV medications and checks for any side effects.

What is the HIV 4th Generation Test?

This test checks for HIV by looking for both the virus itself (antigens) and your body's reaction to it (antibodies). It's used to diagnose HIV and can also be used at the beginning of your treatment to confirm your status and help plan your care.

What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

A CBC is a common blood test that gives a snapshot of your overall health. It counts your different blood cells to check for issues like anemia (low red blood cells) or infections, which can affect your HIV treatment.

Why do I need a hepatitis test?

Hepatitis B and C are liver infections that are more common in people with HIV. This test checks for them because they can affect your liver and change your HIV treatment plan.

What is the RPR test for?

The RPR test is a screening for syphilis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It's important to find and treat syphilis early, as it can cause problems with your HIV treatment if not addressed.

Why am I getting a Hemoglobin A1c test?

This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the last few months. It helps check for or manage diabetes, which is important because some HIV medications can affect your blood sugar.

What is an HIV genotype test?

This test helps your doctor figure out the specific type of HIV you have. This information is important because it helps them choose the best and most effective medications for your treatment plan.

If you're already on treatment, a similar test can check if the virus has become resistant to your current medicines.

Why do I need a Toxoplasma antibody test?

This test checks if you've ever been exposed to a common parasite called Toxoplasma. For people with HIV, this parasite can sometimes cause serious health problems. Knowing if you've been exposed helps your doctor decide if you need to take any preventive medication.

What is the CMV antibody test for?

This test shows if you've been exposed to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that usually doesn't cause problems in healthy people but can be serious for those with a weakened immune system. Knowing your CMV status helps your doctor understand your risk and plan your care accordingly.

Why do I need the Varicella Zoster Virus antibody test?

This test checks if you are immune to the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. If the test shows you're not immune, your doctor may recommend a vaccine to protect you from getting sick with these conditions.

Why do I need a cholesterol test?

This test checks the amount of fats (like cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood. Some HIV medicines can change these levels, so this test helps your doctor make sure your heart and blood vessels stay healthy.

What is a TB test?

This is a blood test to check for tuberculosis (TB), which is a serious infection. It's important to find and treat TB early, especially for people with HIV.

Why am I being tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea in different places?

These infections can show up in several areas of the body, like the throat, rectum, or genitals. Testing these different spots helps us find any infection and treat it properly, which keeps you healthy and prevents it from spreading.