Serodiscordant - meaning and definition
Alsomixed-status couplemagnetic coupleserodifferentsero-discordantserodiscordant couplemixed HIV status
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Serodiscordant describes a relationship in which one partner is living with HIV and the other is not.
At a glance
- Serodiscordant describes a relationship where one partner has HIV and the other does not.
- Many mixed-status couples have long, healthy relationships without passing on HIV.
- Effective treatment with an undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission.
- The HIV-negative partner may also use PrEP or condoms.
- Some people prefer "mixed-status" or "magnetic" couple.
In detail
Many mixed-status couples have long, healthy relationships without passing on HIV. Effective treatment that keeps the positive partner's viral load undetectable prevents sexual transmission, and the negative partner may also use PrEP or condoms.
Some people prefer the terms "mixed-status" or "magnetic" couple, which avoid the idea of discord.
In a sentence
- The study followed serodiscordant couples for several years.
- They describe themselves as a mixed-status couple rather than serodiscordant.
Where the word comes from
The word combines "sero-", referring to blood serum and the blood tests used to show HIV status, with "discordant", meaning differing.
Common questions
Can a serodiscordant couple have a relationship without passing on HIV?
Yes. When the partner living with HIV keeps an undetectable viral load through treatment, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. The other partner may also choose PrEP or condoms. An HIV clinic can advise couples.
Is there another word for serodiscordant?
Some people prefer "mixed-status" or "magnetic" couple, which avoid the idea of discord.