How Do I Talk About My HIV Status?
If you are living with HIV, telling others about your status is a very personal decision. The word “disclose” is frequently used to describe the act of sharing your HIV status with someone. It can be hard to decide who you are going to disclose your status to and when the right time is to share it. Often times there are many pros and cons to disclosing your HIV status to others.
Confidential Partner Notification Program
You are not required to share your status with everyone. There may be some people you’re considering disclosing to—including your medical provider, sexual partners, and/or people you share substance use equipment with. Disclosing your status with your medical provider will help you get access to the medical care you need. Disclosing your status to sexual or needle-sharing partners can be difficult but could help prevent these people in your life from acquiring HIV. The confidential Partner Notification Program through the Iowa Division of Public Health is made up of trained professionals who can help you notify your partner(s). This is done confidentially, without sharing the information about you or when the exposure may have occurred.
Your Ryan White case manager can also be a great resource when you are thinking about telling others about your status. Case managers have a lot of experience helping people develop individualized plans focused on disclosure.