For how long can a couple remain discordant?

Sep 05, 2006

WHAT do we learn from discordant couples? For how long can a couple remain discordant, if they are not using condoms?

Face HIV with Dr. Watiti

WHAT do we learn from discordant couples? For how long can a couple remain discordant, if they are not using condoms?
Maria

Dear Maria,

Simply put, a discordant couple refers to a couple, where one partner is infected with HIV while the other is not.

Usually, most of these couples are not aware of their HIV status and that means they do not know that they need to take action to prevent transmission to the HIV-negative partner.

It has been found that even when one partner finds out that he or she is positive, it takes long for them to disclose to the other.

It is not known how long a couple remains discordant if they are not using condoms, but studies show that the risk of transmission of HIV to the negative partner among discordant couples is about 10 times that of transmission in the general population.

This is due to the low or irregular condom use by married couples. Remember, having had un-protected sex with somebody known to have HIV/AIDS does not necessarily mean you have been infected, though you were exposed to catching the virus.

Therefore, that it is important for couples to go for an HIV test together. One partner knowing their status does not mean the other partner is of a similar HIV status.

Many couples usually fear to discuss the need to go for an HIV test for fear that the one who has raised the issue first, will be accused of being suspicious of the other.
This should be a routine check by your family doctor just like you check for high blood pressure or diabetes.

Being faithful, though a very good practice, cannot protect you from being infected with HIV; you or your spouse may be exposed to HIV without the other partner knowing.

Sayings like, “I am immune to HIV”, “God will continue to protect me” and “After all, we have lived together for long and have not gotten infected”, which encourage the HIV-negative person in a discordant relationship to be complacent about protection, should be discouraged.

The only way you can know you have HIV, is by going for a test in credible and registered centres like the AIDS Information Centre. All people who are sexually active should go for an HIV test.

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