Background

Dr Martinez is meeting with Adrian, a 27-year-old man, to discuss the results of some recent sexual health tests. Adrian is visibly relieved when Dr Martinez tells him that all his results are negative. Dr Martinez reminds Adrian of the importance of continuing to practice safe sex and asks what form of contraception Adrian and his partner are currently using.

Adrian confirms that he and his partner, Maria, are using condoms and have never had unprotected sex but says to Dr Martinez that they’d like to start a family soon. Adrian mentions that Maria has also undergone some tests at the clinic in the last couple of weeks. He explains to Dr Martinez that Maria has told him that her results were clear.

What Adrian doesn’t know is that his partner, Maria, has recently been diagnosed with HIV. Dr Martinez knows this because he had a consultation in which he delivered the results to Maria last week. At her appointment, they discussed the importance of Maria sharing her diagnosis with Adrian, which she said she’d do but needed some time to process the news. Dr Martinez has a follow-up appointment scheduled with Maria tomorrow to discuss beginning treatment.

Now, Dr Martinez must decide how to proceed. He’s aware that Adrian could be at risk of contracting HIV if Maria doesn’t tell him about her diagnosis and if they stop using condoms before her treatment has become effective.