Skip to content
TheGaygency

Glossary

Serodiscordant

Serodiscordant describes a couple in which one partner is living with HIV and the other is HIV-negative.

Serodiscordant, also called serodifferent or magnetic, describes a sexual or romantic relationship in which one partner has HIV and the other does not. These couples have been central to modern HIV prevention. Two tools in particular have changed what this looks like. PrEP, a daily or long-acting medication taken by the HIV-negative partner, sharply reduces the chance of acquiring HIV. And U=U, meaning Undetectable equals Untransmittable, reflects the CDC-endorsed finding that a person living with HIV who takes treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load has effectively zero risk of passing it to sexual partners. With these tools, open communication, and regular care, serodiscordant couples can build healthy relationships without HIV shaping every choice.

Need help applying this?