Question
Can I get married if I am HIV positive?
14 January 2008. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Newly diagnosed.
Hi. Can I marry if I am HIV positive? I am only 28 male, and just diagnosed. How long I can live if I start HAART in future? Do you also think there will be more treatement options in future? Thank you
Answer
Yes, most countries have no legal obstacles against marriage, though many countries do have laws that saw you need to tell your partner about your HIV status. There are some countries where discrimination limits human rights, so it also depends where you live.
Many HIV positive men get married – to partners who are either HIV positive or HIV negative. If their partner is HIV-negative it is still possible to have children
Hi Ngozi,
I wish there was an easy answer to this one, however there isn’t. How we tell people about our status varies from person to person and over time. What you need to remember is that you’ve done nothing wrong and your status shouldn’t be an issue. You can still marry and you can still have kids, being positive shouldn’t be an issue. HIV is no longer like it used to be, with effective treatment we’re no different to negative people. Talking to others who’ve gone through the same process might help.
Am 23,am the only daughter of my parents, am positive. I use to ask myself will I ever get married and bear children I will call my own. How do I disclose my status to people around me
Hi Ali,
Unfortunately we don’t have resources to answer more questions about HIV risks and transmission. But all FAQs are answered here http://i-base.info/qa/11844
Hi everyone’ thanks for all the comments and I am saying I am positive as for now but just been exposed to it one week ago when I was told the person I went with is HIV P. what can I do? I am waiting for 2 weeks to get tested and again after 4 to 6 weeks to get tested again. I fear to share with my wife and I pray to protect her out of it if comes to be P. Can I get a nother partner who is positive to leave with? Your advises are most welcome.
Hi Max,
As long as your viral load is undetectable, there won’t be any risk any sexual partners that you may have. A persons viral load should be undetectable within 1-3 months of starting medication. To know for sure if your viral load is undetectable, you’d need to have it tested.
I have hiv for over 4 years and this year’s I start using the medication is it possible. I can have unprotected sex with someone who is HIV negative and her do not it
Hi James,
To know for sure if you’re positive or not, you’ll need to have a test done in a clinic.
Good day everyone …I tried to have my HIV test and was told the test was carried out 3 times and it was shown negative twice and shown positive once.what are the chances because am scared so much
Hi Nana,
Sorry to hear that you had a negative experience. You are however right; there are lots of people who’re positive and their status isn’t an issue for their negative partners.
Hi everyone. I also am a lady hiv positive. I told myself that marriage was no longer an option after I got my divorce and I tested positive. I have been living secretly because of stigma. Last month I decided to give another man a chance because he also said he would like to marry me, I disclosed my status and got rejected. Its painful to be rejected. Now I find myself thinking I should just remain unmarried and find peace with it, but get too lonely .
So it’s possible to get married and live happily- if u pick the right open minded partner, many couples are