Can HIV discordant people get married?
HIV is no longer seen as a serious threat to one’s life. There are many young people who were born with HIV or got infected during childhood and are sexually active.
Dear Doctor,
My brother has been dating a young lady and they have agreed to get married. However, when they went to test for HIV, she was found HIV-positive while he was negative. We have advised my brother against the marriage but he does not want to leave her. What can we do?
Grace
Dear Grace,
HIV is no longer seen as a serious threat to one’s life. There are many young people who were born with HIV or got infected during childhood and are sexually active.
That is why we need counsellors in schools and health care units to offer HIV/AIDS services to such people.
If your brother and his fiancee have been counselled and are taking an informed decision, you should respect their decision.
It is possible for discordant people to have healthy sexual and reproductive lives if they know how to live positively with HIV.
If condoms are used consistently and correctly, and the HIV-positive partner is on ARVs, the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced.
When it comes to making a baby, they can discuss that with their doctor who will give them relevant guidance.
My brother has been dating a young lady and they have agreed to get married. However, when they went to test for HIV, she was found HIV-positive while he was negative. We have advised my brother against the marriage but he does not want to leave her. What can we do?
Grace
Dear Grace,
HIV is no longer seen as a serious threat to one’s life. There are many young people who were born with HIV or got infected during childhood and are sexually active.
That is why we need counsellors in schools and health care units to offer HIV/AIDS services to such people.
If your brother and his fiancee have been counselled and are taking an informed decision, you should respect their decision.
It is possible for discordant people to have healthy sexual and reproductive lives if they know how to live positively with HIV.
If condoms are used consistently and correctly, and the HIV-positive partner is on ARVs, the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced.
When it comes to making a baby, they can discuss that with their doctor who will give them relevant guidance.