Question

My wife tested positive and is telling me I passed HIV onto her.

16 May 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission, Sero different couples.

I was married for 7 years and now in 2018 the women tested positive for HIV. She says I infected her and 2 weeks back I went for my test which came back negative, so what is the explanation for that?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Can I just check a few things?

• Are you still married?
• She tested positive in 2018. How long were you married before this?
• This is your first test?

If these are correct. You did not pass on HIV. If you have tested negative you are unable to pass on HIV to someone else.

Has your wife had any sexual encounters with anyone else prior to your marriage or throughout? HIV can also be transmitted through needle stick injuries which can be quite common if she works in healthcare.

Is your wife now on HIV medication? As you have tested negative so recently from your wife testing positive in 2018, your wife has not passed HIV onto you. HIV transmission is not always definitive and a number of factors can change how likely transmission is.

Serodifferent couples are common and there are many things you can do to help prevent transmission now you are both aware of your status e.g., your wife being on medication, you have an option to use PrEP, or a condom will also prevent transmission.

Josh.