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.
Hi
My ex partner is hiv positive. I have also tested positive. The thing is, I didn’t test from a GP, I did it in a private laboratory. Should I test again?
Hi John, I am very sorry to hear about your wife. For you other question though please see question 5 at this link:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi Doctor my partner were HIV positive for a two years after been tested, later I were tested with HIV negative on a three times testing . just a past months my wife died from ARDS by during that time it were still confirmed that she were positive. Later I were tested again and proofs negative, so I will like to know what is the cuz of this happened.
Hi Muhangi, this is something to ask the doctor. It might be that your partner need this antibiotic to protect against other infections. The doctor should alwasy explain this so please ask them again.
why is it that my pàrtener was resumed to septrine from ARVs.we have lived 4years while she is on treatment
Hi Madavi, congratulations on your pregnancy. If you have been having sex without condoms during the pregnancy, it is important to take another HIV test. Pregnancy is a high risk for catching HIV, so you and you partner need to use condoms until the baby is born. This is especially important if he is not on effective HIV treatment. Please talk to your doctor about all this. Good luck with everything.
I had sex with my boyfriend in 5 months ago…now he is HIV positive… I am HIV negative. is there is any problem.. and I got married 6 months ago…now I am 4th month pregnant.. any problem for baby..plzzz suggest me
After seven years you must understand that only by taking an HIV test can you find out whether this is related. If your partner was on treatment this will have dramatically reduced any risk.
Hello.Almost 7 years of a relationship of unprotected sex with hiv positive patner n still am hiv negative. Am experiencing occiptal lymph nodes. Am scared now
Hi Ochola, why on earth would HIV status be related to whether or not you stay together. Lots of serodifferent couples have long, healthy, active and loving relationships.