The challenges to intimacy and sexual relationships for gay men in HIV serodiscordant relationships: A pilot study

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and disease progression create imbalance in long-term, HIV-serodiscordant, gay male relationships, partic ularly in sexual relations and issues of physical and emotional intimacy. S tage of disease progression and worldview of the couple both affect the rel ationship and its survival. To redress imbalance, partners employ a range o f coping strategies and techniques. This article explores these issues in t he context of HIV serodiscordant gay couples and how they preserve their re lationships in the face of these unique challenges. For workers who provide psychotherapeutic and community support for people with HIV and for their partners, the results of this study may be helpful in recognizing stress fa ctors for couples, and tailoring support services to the needs of both part ners. Overall, this study provides a basis for further work examining the d ynamics of serodiscordant relationships.