"How Much Can I Take Before Getting HIV?"

I heard but can't find anything online that there is a certain
amount of foreign cells a person can take before they acquire HIV. How many antigens/foreign cells can a gay man take from different HIV-negative partners before they get HIV? Can I just have sex with multiple gay men as long as I want as long as I make sure they're HIV negative? I have been with two HIV-negative guys  so I would be HIV - right? Or is it forming in my body right now since I presume I have two foreign cells in my body but not HIV antibodies. - Thanks Gary 

Hi Gary,

The first point to talk about is the actual causes of HIV infection. Your question gives me the impression you believe exposure to another person's cells will cause you to get HIV. This is not the case. In everyday life you are exposed to these "foreign cells": when you kiss someone, when you shake their hand, etc. Your body is well equipped to deal with any "foreign cells" and quickly destroys them.

HIV/AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus which is transmitted from person-to-person; it does not form in your body just from other peoples' cells. However, it can take just a single exposure to the virus for you to become HIV-positive. Although your partners say they are HIV-negative, how can you be sure? If they are having unprotected sex with you, can you be confident you are their only partner?

It takes up to six months after infection for someone to show as positive on a test. Even though someone shows up as HIV-negative on a test after having unprotected sex with someone of unknown status, it is only once that person has been tested six months after unsafe sex that you can be sure your partners are truly negative.

If you are certain of your status and your partners status and you are also completely monogamous with that individual then there is no opportunity for you or your partner to become HIV-positive. The key is to ensure you are talking openly with your sexual partner(s) about their sexual practices so you can all lead a healthy life.

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Do you have a question about HIV or AIDS? Send an e-mail to pnohealth@planetoutinc.com and we'll try to answer your question.

Dr. Iain MacLeod is a 27-year-old Brit who has been living in Boston for the last two years. He holds a doctorate in pathology from the University of Cambridge as well as a degree in virology and medical genetics from the University of Glasgow, UK. He is a research and teaching fellow at Harvard where he specializes in HIV, looking at drug resistance and transmission. Born in Scotland, Iain has spent time working on HIV in Africa."

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.