How to survive from the risk of HIV Transmission for Mixed-Status couples

Imagine being in love with your significant other for a long time then come to learn that they are HIV positive while you are negative. Would you still stay or would you walk? It is pretty tricky to provide an answer to that, I suppose.

Well, that was the situation that befell Godfrey and his wife Paulina found. The couple explained how they went for testing and Godfrey tested positive and his wife negative.

Godfrey explained that it was tough for him to relate with even his wife and their relationship almost came to an end. Fortunately, a counselor came through with noble advises that kept them going.

The couple decided to stay together and their sexual relationship resumed, they had to use condoms from nearby clinics. Later Godfrey started taking antiretroviral treatment and ever since they have lived happily.

Thirty-two years down the line Godfrey is still negative, they have children and grandchildren. They accepted the situation, something which was important so that they could return to their normal life.

It is important for couples to get tested, when you know your status, you can easily plan for a future. Being positive does not necessarily mean it is the end of a relationship as most people would say.

It is possible for a couple where one partner is negative while the other is positive to live as a discordant couple for a long time. Support and love will definitely keep your relationship sailing.

Countries have initiated testing and counseling for couples to ensure that they support each other if in such a situation. They are advised on how to live together with one partner positive and still raise a normal family.

Couples are educated on how they can enjoy their marriage or love relationship with the infected partner taking the antiretroviral drugs. This way, the risks of HIV transmission for mixed-status couples are reduced and they are assured of living longer and not transmitting the virus to their significant one.

Most consider being in a relationship with an HIV infected person as weird for fear of things not working out as they should in a normal relationship. 

This is a myth and should be done away with. This kind of relationship is as normal as any other relationship and can last for even a longer period.

Here are some tips to help you survive in such a relationship.

Anti- HIV drugs

Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP drugs are very important to couples who are looking forward to baby making sex, where no condoms will be used. The drugs reduce the chances of the negative partner acquiring the disease.

Sticking to your medicine is the best way to keep you and your partner protected from HIV transmission. The anti- HIV drugs make it difficult for the HIV virus to duplicate itself and spread in your body.

The female partner living with the virus takes the anti- HIV drugs to minimize the risk of infecting the male partner.

The insemination method may also be used and accurately timed with a woman's ovulation. This allows you to engage in unprotected sex during the limited time of a woman's ovulation without the male getting infected.

Early prenatal care

HIV positive women who get pregnant should seek prenatal care as early as they realize they are pregnant.

The program is important in monitoring the pregnancy at every single stage and preventing the chances of transmitting the virus to the baby at birth.

Sex life and condoms

HIV transmission is very high where people are sexually active but it’s an uphill task to advocate for abstinence among couples.

In any romantic kind of relationship, kissing, cuddling, hugging and of course making love are the elements that will never lack in a normal relationship. This doesn't have to stop just because one of the partners has been tested positive for HIV.

HIV infections should be the last thing that can come between two love birds, especially now, with all the advancements in technology. Just applying some precautionary measures and taking anti-HIV drugs at the right time, you can survive in the relationship without getting infected.

Condoms are the most effective in HIV aids prevention. In a relationship where couples have mixed status, condoms should be used whenever you get intimate.

However, condoms breakages are possible, if it happens and you were not using any anti- HIV drug, you should immediately talk to your doctor about the post-exposure drugs. These drugs prevent infection but only if taken within 72 hours.

Open communication

It may be challenging to date a partner who is HIV positive. Not being too sure about the precautionary measures and lack of communication in this pertinent issue can cause relationship break-downs.

The fear of getting infected is normal to anyone but how about talking about the issue with your partner? Having open discussions with your partner lets you to express yourself on your reservations freely.

You could also engage the services of a counselor just so that both of you understand the sexual limits and precautionary measures you need to employ.

Do not assume anything and do not do anything contrary to the counselor's advice just because you aren't sure of how your partner would react.

Stay clean

Apart from sexual transmission, there are other ways in which one can acquire the HIV virus. This includes: sharing sharp objects and direct blood contact.

To stay safe while living with an infected person, you should always ensure that you keep everything clean. Sterilize sharp objects, keep wounds covered and avoid coming into contact with the person’s blood.

Conclusion

Living with or getting married to HIV positive persons does not mean you too will be infected. You employ the precautionary measures and have an interesting relationship even if one partner is HIV positive. Get tested for HIV infections together and know your status.

Contributor: admin