HIV Disclosure

What is it?

It's when someone reveals whether he/she has HIV, either before or after sex - or anytime really.

Do HIV-positive partner always disclose?

In a word, no. This may be because the partner does not even know he is HIV-positive. In fact most positive partner don't disclose their HIV status before sex, even though most negative partner think they will.

Why don't positive partner always tell?

There are lots of reasons why a positive partner might not disclose his/her status before sex. Some people don't know that they are positive, and some worry that they will be rejected by their partner. Others don't want to give out that kind of information to partner they don't really know and some just reckon they are going to use condoms anyway, so what's the point?

What's the best thing to do?

If someone does tell you they're positive, it's up to you what you do with that information, but DO NOT share the information with others without the person's consent.

But if someone you're going to have sex with doesn't mention HIV, it doesn't mean that he/she is HIV-negative. In every situation it's up to both partners, whatever their HIV status, to take the responsibility to keep the sex safe.