A Mixed status couple is when one partner is HIV-negative and the other is HIV-positive. Also known as a serodiscordant couple or a serodifferent couple. Using protection means that couples can have sex without passing HIV on. Download our HIV & mixed status couples fact sheet to find out more.

What is a Disconduct couple?

Reviewed on 3/29/2021. Discordant couple: A pair of long-term sexual partners in which one has a sexually transmitted infection and the other does not. The CDC has guidelines for counseling discordant couples in which the woman is HIV-infected and her husband is HIV-uninfected.

What happens when one partner is HIV positive and the other negative?

If both partners are HIV negative, then transmission cannot occur. This involves knowing the current HIV status of both you and your partner. This is not the same as knowing their status last year, or the last time either of you tested.

What is a mixed status couple?

Serodiscordant couples, or mixed-status couples, are ones in which one partner has HIV and the other does not. Couples in these relationships have three unique tools for them as they grow their relationship.

Can you have a relationship with an HIV positive person?

By practicing sex with condoms, its possible to have a healthy and complete romantic relationship with someone living with HIV. Taking a preventive medication such as PrEP or PEP can reduce the chances of exposure to HIV. If someone with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cant transmit HIV to others.

Should I take PrEP if Im in a relationship?

While PrEP is recommended to men in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV positive and the other negative) and those in non-monogamous relationships, there is limited research looking at coupled mens use of biomedical prevention strategies.

Should monogamous couples get tested?

If youre in a monogamous, long-term relationship, Dr. West says getting an STI test at least once a year is good practice. Meanwhile, people in open or polyamorous long-term relationships who are having sex with multiple partners should have regular STI tests, just as if they were single.