Wadadli Mag

Talking to your partner about getting tested for HIV/AIDS may not feel like the most comfortable or “sexy” conversation, but it’s one that can prevent a lifetime of regret. December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, but the truth is that any time is the right time to talk about your health.

According to a September report from the AIDS Secretariat, 24 new HIV cases were recorded in the first half of 2025. While the final annual total is still unknown, confirmed cases represent only a fraction of actual new infections. Sex often happens spontaneously, and conversations about testing can feel awkward or intimidating. As a result, many people avoid getting tested, choosing ignorance over knowledge. Unfortunately, when it comes to HIV, what you don’t know truly can hurt you.

Here are a few ways to start the conversation about testing with your partner:

Use “I” Statements

Nothing puts someone on the defensive faster than leading with “you.” Instead, frame the conversation around yourself and your health. For example: “I really want to take my health seriously, and I want to get tested for HIV. Would you be willing to go with me?” Including yourself makes the conversation feel like a team effort and helps build trust rather than suspicion.

Focus on Peace of Mind

The idea of peace of mind is something everyone can understand. Knowing your status can bring reassurance and confidence to a relationship. The discussion doesn’t have to be accusatory—it can simply be about making HIV testing a normal, routine part of caring for each other.

Be Honest and Realistic

Even with the best intentions, it’s important to be realistic about potential risks. Some people have contracted HIV while being faithful to a partner they long suspected were unfaithful. In some spaces, there is even a troubling sense of pride tied to having unprotected sex with someone in a committed relationship. It’s not worth risking your health in a senseless competition to be the “better partner.”

If a sexual partner is unwilling to get tested or share their results with you, that’s a serious red flag. Someone who refuses to take responsibility for their health may not be someone you should trust with the most intimate parts of your body.

Knowing your status isn’t about fear—it’s about self-respect, protection, and care for yourself and others.