Assisted reproduction techniques for HIV serodiscordant couples: 18 months of experience

Abstract

Assisted reproduction techniques and particularly ICSI provide HIV-1-seropositive men with a safe and highly effective means of fathering children. These techniques may be less effective for seropositive women.

Yes, It is Possible

“…Ohl et al [8] assessed the efficacy of ART in 57 couples in which at least one partner had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection that was currently under control (47 men and 10 women). The semen of seropositive men was prepared and tested for viruses.…”

“…Efficacy of treatment for these couples with ICSI was good, and the clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 48.8 %. The results for seropositive women were disappointing, with a clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer of 9.1 % [8].…”

Access to infertility investigations and treatment for HIV+ people: a survey of Australian infertility clinics

“…Current findings suggest that assisted reproduction techniques provide a safe and highly effective means of fathering children for HIV+ men; but that results for HIV+ women are less encouraging. 4 Almost no data are available for success rates where both partners are positive.…”

“…Assisted reproduction can safely help HIV+ men to become fathers using sperm-washing techniques. 4 It has been argued that assisted reproduction services should be made available in all circumstances unless there is a compelling argument against such procedure. 5 The guidelines from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRAM) recommend that HIV+ patients should receive counselling regarding transmission risks to both their offspring and partner and the safest procedures for conception and delivery that will minimise that risk.…”

Sperm washing to prevent HIV transmission from HIV-infected men but allowing conception in serodiscordant couples

“…For many years, donor sperm insemination was the only alternative to achieve a safe pregnancy in this situation. However, this option is not well accepted by many HIV-discordant couples, whose legitimate desire is to bear their own children (Ohl 2003). In Italy and Sweden, donor sperm insemination is no longer a viable reproductive option for sero-discordant couples (Han 2008).…”