HIV in Relationships
Know your HIV status and talk about all the sex you have...
It might come as a surprise that 25% of HIV infections in gay men happen in relationships.
HIV transmissions in relationships can occur for lots of reasons:
- Some couples stop using condoms early in the relationship before they’ve talked about HIV or had an HIV test together,
- If either partner breaks their guidelines for sex outside the relationship and aren’t able to or don’t tell their partner they have been put at risk,
- If the couple are in a positive/negative relationship and occasionally have sex without condoms.
Know your status and talk to each other...
If you decide to stop using condoms because you’ve both tested negative, make sure you set up a clear agreement for sex with each other and with other people.
If either of you takes a risk, go back to condoms until you’ve both been tested again.
Talking to each other about the sex you have inside and outside your relationship is vital for protecting each other from HIV and other STIs.
If you’re in a positive/negative relationship remember that condoms are the best way to prevent HIV transmission and know about PEP in case you need it.
ACON can help you...
ACON runs workshops on relationships covering a range of topics including sex, negotiation and communication skills and expectations.
There are specific workshops for, gay men, gay men under 26 and HIV negative partners of HIV positive men.
ACON also has counsellors who you can talk to either on your own or with your partner. Call us on 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060 to find out more.
Or check out M8 Magazine for hints and tips about relationships, including info on improving your negotiation skills.
If you’re outside of Sydney, then you can get in touch with the staff at one of ACON’s regional offices in the Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Rivers or on the Mid North Coast