The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

Wife scared hubby infected
Oct 5, 1999

Doctor, My husband and I have just learned he has been infected with the Hiv virus. I am scared to continue to have sex with him. What are some ways to have safe sex and help me to understand what is happening to a 27 yr old marriage? Any help would be appreciated.

Response from Dr. Remien

You obviously have many questions that require not only basic information, but also many levels of discussion between you and your husband. "Safer sex' is pretty basic and essentially involves protection from the direct sharing of body fluids. More explicit information can be easily obtained from this website or from any local HIV community based or health service organization in your area. However, when you ask about "what is happening to a 27 year old marriage," I think you are asking about a whole lot more. Namely, you have a lot of questions of your husband about the origin of his infection and its implications for your relationship. These are not easy things to address but need to be, if your relationship is to continue. If it is too hard for you to talk about these things on your own, please seek a counselor that can facilitate these challenging, but important discussions.



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.