Q: I am a 24 years old girl. I plan to get married to a HIV person, who is on ARV therapy. I would like to know if I will be able to have children considering that I don't want to get infected by the virus. How long can a HIV person survive if he leads a healthy life? Do you think I won't get infected if I use a condom every time I have sex with a HIV positive person?

A:Longevity of life of a HIV positive person on ART is quite good provided he also follows a balanced and healthy life style. To live for 10-15 years or even more these days for people on ART. Marrying such a person will surely expose you to the risk of HIV infection if you don't use protection during sex with him. Condom - used correctly, consistently and completely in every sexual act is a good protection. With some counselling about sexual intercourse during fertile period, you can minimise your risk of getting HIV infection while becoming pregnant.