STIs

U=U

AlsoTasPundetectable equals untransmittableundetectable = untransmittabletreatment as preventionU=U campaignundetectable status

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

U=U means that a person living with HIV who keeps an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners.

At a glance

  • U=U stands for "Undetectable = Untransmittable".
  • It is based on large international studies of couples where one partner had HIV.
  • No HIV transmissions were found from partners with an undetectable viral load on treatment.
  • It applies to sexual transmission of HIV, not to other STIs.
  • The message has helped reduce stigma around HIV.

In detail

The message is based on large international studies that followed thousands of couples where one partner had HIV and the other did not. No HIV transmissions were found from partners whose viral load was undetectable due to treatment.

In dating profiles, "undetectable" or "U=U" is a way of sharing HIV status and signalling that the person is on effective treatment. The science applies to sexual transmission; it is still recommended to use condoms or other methods to prevent other STIs.

U=U has helped reduce stigma by showing that HIV treatment protects both the person and their partners.

In a sentence

  • His dating profile says "undetectable, U=U".
  • The campaign poster said U=U in big letters, with a link to the science behind it.

Where the word comes from

The U=U campaign was launched by the Prevention Access Campaign in 2016 and has since been endorsed by many health organisations worldwide.

Not to be confused with

  • Cured

    An undetectable viral load means the virus is controlled, not gone; treatment needs to continue.

Common questions

Is U=U really true?

Yes. Large international studies following thousands of couples found no sexual transmission of HIV from partners whose viral load was undetectable through treatment. Major health bodies support the message.

Does U=U protect against other STIs?

No. U=U is about HIV only. Condoms and regular testing are still recommended to prevent other STIs. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.

Related terms

Sources

  1. UNAIDSUndetectable = untransmittable
  2. HIV.govViral suppression and undetectable viral load
  3. Prevention Access CampaignU=U