Question
Why did my partner test positive when I tested negative?
19 April 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.
My partner and I have been together for six years. He tested positive three years ago.
Automatically assuming I would be infected already we continued to have unsafe sex. I never went for a test until three years later in 2012.
He was beginning his treatment and wanted me to do the same, but when I went to my local clinic I tested HIV negative.
Can I trust these results or should I worry about testing HIV positive in near future? I’m so confused!
Answer
The risk of catching HIV is low compared to many other infections.
So your situation is common to still be negative even if without condoms with someone who is HIV positive. Your negative result is also related to good luck – so it is not good to rely on this in the future.
As your partner has just started treatment, the risk of transmission will already be much lower. Then, once his viral load becomes undetectable the risk is effectively zero.
The PARTNER studies showed that ART stops sexual transmission. For example, after more than 100,000 times that an HIV positive person had sex without a condom with an HIV negative partner, there were ZERO transmissions. Viral load just needs to be undetectable on ART.
This and other studies led to the U=U campaign (undetectable = untransmittable).
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
This guide to HIV testing and risks of sexual transmission includes more info on transmission risk. Also, the answer to Question 9 on our most asked questions page:
Can we stop using condoms if viral load is undetectable on treatment?
If your partner is not on treatment or if he still has detectable viral load, then using condoms will make sure you stay negative. Another option is to talk to your doctor about PtRP, which is where you can take a pill that will protect you against HIV. The UK guide to PrEP has more info.
Note: This answer was updated in 2016, 2018 and 2022 from a question first posted online in July 2012.
hello, i tested positive to HIV virus and my husband negative; i just started the treatment two days ago but i am abit worried about my husband; i don’t want him to be infected with the virus; please how long does it take for my viral load become undetectable if i follow all the rules and take my medication well; that way i am sure transmission of the virus to him is a very low chance. Thank you
Hi Lee,
If your girlfriend is on meds and is undetectable then the risks are close to zero. Please see the PARTNER study for more info:
http://i-base.info/htb/30108
Hi.my gf is hiv positive and is on medication.I have had unprotected sex with her.would I get HIV…?
Hi Junior.
Even if a cure is found, you will always test positive for HIV. Please see:
https://i-base.info/qa/10268
Hi I’ve tested positive. Is there any chance that i may be negative in the future?
Hi Kiwee,
i-base is a service that is for people who are HIV positive. No one has the right to demand that someone they have sex with be tested for HIV. You need to ask yourself, why did your boyfriend choose not to tell you.
Please see question one for transmission information:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I meet this guy a year ago, and we have been using protection every since the day we meet. We never had sex without it. But I found out a month ago that he is HIV positive. He lied to me and told me that he wasn’t God revealed this to me in the strangest way. I told him the very next day to go and take a HIV test. Well, he knew that he had HIV since the beginning of the year. I went to get tested and I tested negative. But he would have oral sex on me. Is there any change I could be positive. And do you think I should remain in a relationship with him. I really need your help. Please I’m going crazy, about to lose my mind because I just don’t know what to do. I love him and I know he loves me, but I can’t fix myself to have sex with him again. Am I being mean.
Hi sthethe,
Its actaully quit hard to contract HIV. In many ways, its a case of bad luck. If you’re girlfriend is on treatment, and has an undetectable viral load, then the risks of transmission are close to zero. Please see the results from the PARTNER study:
http://i-base.info/htb/30108
If your tests results are coming back as negative, then its likely that you are negative.
hi i’ve been in a relationship for 3 years now with my girlfriend. Two months ago I found out that she is positve and has been for 8 years. I’m testing negative, is this possible?
Hi LilyRose
HIV can only be transmitted by people who are HIV positive. For more on HIV and transmission please see question one here:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions