It is advisable to use condoms if you are in a discordant relationship

Face HIV with Dr. Watiti

Dear Doctor,
Recently I heard that there is a new microbicidal gel for women being tried out called Tenofivir Gel which can kill the virus if an HIV-negative woman uses it before having sex with an infected man. I am in a discordant relationship. My husband is HIV-positive and on ARVs (Truvada and Nevirapine) and often refuses to use condoms. Instead he forces me into unprotected sex. Would gel help me because I hear Truvada (which he swallows) also contains Tenofovir?
Mary

Dear Mary,
THE new microbicide containing Tenofivir which is one of the first line ARVs in use is for trial — to see if it could help women in discordant sexual relationships, it is not yet in clinical use.
It is a pity that your husband forces you into unprotected sex because non-consensual sex increases the risk of your being infected.

You should seek counselling from a professional counsellor so that you decide whether to continue staying in this relationship or quit because the truth is if you continue being exposed to HIV, you will eventually get infected.

On the other hand, if used correctly and consistently, condoms would be the best method of reducing the risk of getting HIV.