Having a relationship with an HIV-negative partner

Many people with HIV are in loving, supportive and intimate relationships. And many of these are with a partner who is HIV-negative.

Nevertheless, all relationships go through ups and downs and the presence of HIV in a relationship can exaggerate the routine stresses and strains that are inevitable if you are close to someone.

HIV can also mean that there are additional worries and things for you and your partner to think and talk about – not the least of which will be the risk of HIV transmission.

This section provides information on some of the more common problems that arise in relationships where one partner is HIV-positive and the other HIV-negative.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.