HIV infection is a chronic illness. In Finland, about 3300 people are living with HIV. Additionally, it is estimated, that about 500 people are unaware about their infection. HIV used to claim lives, but nowadays medication has developed. There is no cure for HIV infection, but if it is found at time and treated properly, it is not lethal. In Finland, mode of transmission in majority of cases is condomless sex. According to the latest studies, proper treatment and antiretroviral drugs can prevent HIV transmission, even during unprotected sex.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and understand how people with HIV in Finland experience their sexuality. Interest towards the subject flamed from work con-text and this phenomenon seemed to have short of studies, at least from Finland. Participants were a purposive sampling of fourteen persons, 26 to 66 years old. They had been living with HIV from almost one year to over twenty years and were all on medication. They shared their lived experience through open-ended interviews, which were conducted and analyzed 2016.

According to the study, people with HIV had as diverse and unique sexuality as people with-out HIV. When infected, people experience both a traumatic crisis as well as identity crisis, at least regarding to their sexuality. During the process of sexual identity reformation, fulfilling their sexuality and intimacy, people are confronted with stigmatizing practices and preconceptions. After sexual identity reformation, three forms of sexual identities emerged. They were cage, bubble and coral reef. Another thing, that emerged, was getting older with HIV.

This study adds to the body of knowledge and understanding of what it is to live with HIV in Finland. Health care professionals may profit using the study results, when designing practices and interventions to people. When considered, it is possible to support people living with HIV in their struggle to sexual identity reformation and lives. They are possible to take into con-side-ration for example, if Finland could have “National best practice in HIV care” – guide-lines. Also, majority of the public could benefit from this study. Reading the study adds knowledge, and maybe removes fears. Growing knowledge and understanding of what it is to live with HIV in Finland may lower the stigma. Sexual health is complex issue and it could be promoted even from child health center. Personnel could support both the child and the carekers in sexual health issues. And further, suitable age-appropriate sexual education could be considered as a part of basic services for children, like nurseries and schools.