Question: I am planning to have an HIV test. Should I go alone or should I take my sexual partner with me. If my partner accompanies me, will I have to reveal details of my sexual history in his presence. Are there circumstances in which it might be advisable to go alone?

Answer: If your sexual partner agrees to accompany you and also agrees to be tested, this is usually the best scenario. One of the major goals of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is the prevention of HIV infection through behaviour change. Worldwide research has shown that when both partners are tested at the same time, the likelihood of maintaining an HIV negative status is greatly increased. One of the reasons for this is that by testing together you are demonstrating to each other your commitment to each other's well-being.
Essentially you are bringing into the open the issue of trust and of being able to rely on each other not to jeopardize the health of the relationship.

This does not mean however, that the partners are counselled together. On the contrary it is important that people be counselled separately before taking the test to enable a comprehensive assessment to be made of the unique risk factors applicable to each individual. This discussion is kept totally confidential . Results are also given individually to enable people who are found to be HIV positive to decide how best to handle this knowledge. At ATICC people are given the opportunity, should they so wish, to discuss their results mutually in the presence of their counsellor(s). This enables partners to explore future prevention strategies and other important issues such as trust.

Sometimes only one partner tests positive. Such relationships are referred to as HIV- discordant. In such cases additional tests might be necessary to ascertain whether the partner testing negative is in the period during which the infection cannot yet be detected (ie. the "window period"). On-going couple counselling is helpful during this time of uncertainty. Clearly when both partners test positive, on-going couple counselling is also beneficial in assisting the them to come to terms with their situation.

There are a number of possible situations however, in which it might be advisable to come for VCT by yourself. These usually arise from relationships in which there is a measure of mistrust, poor communication and/or potential for abuse or violence. Of course there is also the situation where a relationship has just ended, but it should be remembered that it is necessary to wait for three months after the active sexual relationship has ended before presenting for a test.

Another one of the advantages of both partners presenting simultaneously is that if they have had a monogamous relationship with each other for a minimum of three months the "window period" problem falls away if they both test negative.

ATICC provides VCT as well as Couple Counselling by Psychologists experienced in the field of HIV/AIDS.