Careful choice of partner

This means looking for a partner who is not infected with HIV, and who has a similar philosophy of life and, with regard to love and safety, the same conceptions as you have. Before entering into a sexual relationship with your partner you should get to know him/her well. The mere possibility that you or your partner might be infected with HIV (in which case HIV could be transmitted through sexual contact) makes it impossible to enter into a sexual relationship with confidence.

At the start of a partnership it is not only important to discuss quite openly the possible risks of infection in the past and at present. It is also important to get to know the habits, the friends and the family of your partner. This creates familiarity and intimacy, so that you are better able to judge whether you can trust your partner. Only then is a couple able to decide, mutually, whether the risk of an HIV infection in the past can be excluded. If an HIV infection cannot be excluded it is best to undergo an HIV test. At this point it should be emphasised that sexuality only becomes a wonderful experience in a true, open and fair partnership. Such an intimate relationship, with mutual goodwill, must first be allowed to develop. Without such an interpersonal relationship sexuality cannot be truly fulfilling, since it is an integral part of love, partnership and marriage.

Source: HIV/Aids – Aktuell (Dr. med. Kurt April)
©Translation: AIDS Information Switzerland
Last updated: November 2009