Finding the right footing in the dating scene can be difficult for anyone, but especially so for those with a positive HIV diagnosis. Dating with HIV requires complete honesty about an issue that can be hard to talk about. It also requires a certain level of disclosure before any sexual act. Fortunately, there are several resources dedicated to helping HIV-positive individuals find their perfect match. Click through the slideshow for a rundown on some of the top HIV dating sites. In addition to offering community forums, mentoring, and medical information, Poz. A paid premium membership places your profile above other matches and allows you to save your favorite searches. POZ Personals frequently features advice from members going through various stages of dating. Founded in 1988, is owned and run by HIV-positive individuals and is open to everyone living with HIV. Basic membership is free and includes a profile, five photos, browsing, searching, and instant messaging, among other features. A premium membership includes all these features plus private email, webcam and video, and support services. It also helps connect those looking for friendships. Its mission is to help HIV-positive individuals find love without judgment. In your standard membership, you can create a profile, add an unlimited number of photos, and upload video and audio clips. A premium membership gives you the ability to contact other members, send and receive text messages, and participate in community forums. The site also provides dating safety tips for those who are new to or apprehensive about online dating. More than just a dating site, Volttage is a full social network with HIV-related news, health information, and a complementary blog called. A site designed for those with HIV, HPV, herpes, and other sexually transmitted diseases STDs , has been forming connections since 2001. You can read about some of their 60,000+ dating success stories on the site. Features also include a live dating advisor and online chat rooms. The free is another way for you to find potential matches and access your private album. It uses location-based technology to find matches in your area. With a simple swipe, you can anonymously like or pass on potential matches and send direct messages. A site for dating as well as finding companionship or emotional support, is a free online dating and social networking site for HIV-positive singles. You can create a new profile or register with Facebook to start finding and accessing your top matches. Besides matching singles, the site also includes chat rooms, forums and blogs, video channels, and book reviews. This free dating site allows you to find other singles going through similar situations. By joining HIV People Meet, you have access to a live dating advisor and other support services. The website also provides information on local support events and offers successful dating tips. Each profile is monitored carefully, and the site guarantees that your information is never disclosed or shared with other organizations. Positive Dating was featured in Entrepreneur, Miami Herald, USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times, and other notable publications. Or, you may prefer to wait until you know the relationship has potential. Either way, make sure to tell them before any sexual contact. Using protection is vital, even if you and your partner are both HIV-positive. Doing so will protect you from contracting STDs, which can lower your CD4 count and cause other complications. Also, having unprotected sex puts you at risk for contracting another strain of HIV.
