A Game-Changer For HIV+ Individuals
A positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis can be devastating. If left untreated, HIV can be dangerous and life-threatening for the individual with the disease and others. Despite the dangerous epidemic, there is hope. Advancements in medication, such as antiretroviral therapy, help HIV+ individuals survive and thrive for longer. Effective treatment means people living with HIV also want to participate in the many joys of life, including parenthood. In vitro fertilization (IVF) can allow couples to have a healthy baby while avoiding the risk of transmission.
A viable option for HIV+ individuals
Although the virus can be controlled, there can be long-term damage to reproductive organs in men and women. HIV can lead to damage to the testicles in men and decreased sexual function. Women can experience inflammation that may damage the reproductive organs or decrease egg quality. Same-sex couples may need IVF via gestational surrogacy. The biggest fear, however, is that potential parents will pass on the virus to future children via natural conception. IVF creates hope by controlling the variables needed for pregnancy. Through testing and screening, healthy embryos can be created and implanted, reducing the risk of infecting the child. Couples can also safely attempt IVF while still undergoing the required antiretroviral therapy needed to keep HIV in check.
Testing before IVF
Before any attempt at fertility treatment, doctors recommend starting or continuing HIV treatment first. The goal is to keep the virus under control with antiretroviral drugs and other medications as advised by a doctor. The fertility clinic will request blood tests to determine the individual or couple’s viral load before proceeding. Additional blood tests and fertility testing are also recommended. For instance, HIV+ men may require sperm analysis to verify the virus is not present in the sperm. With a low or undetectable viral load, the fertility team can safely proceed with IVF.
Female versus male HIV+ patients
Women with HIV can proceed with all the steps involved in IVF. The woman can take hormone medication to create multiple eggs and also prepare for implantation. IVF can proceed as long as the woman has taken the necessary HIV therapy, which would not interfere with IVF. Men can also successfully participate in IVF while on antiretroviral therapy. The fertility clinic will perform sperm washing to acquire healthy, motile sperm. If there is a concern, the fertility clinic will recommend intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which uses a single healthy sperm to create embryos.
Possible limitations of IVF with HIV
While taking precautions can help prevent transmission and improve IVF outcomes, there are still risks and considerations. Studies show there may be a slightly lower success rate due to the impact of HIV on the immune system. However, the fertility clinic will strive to ensure IVF patients achieve the best possible outcomes. In rare cases, HIV medications can interact with IVF treatment or may cause unpleasant symptoms. Work closely with the fertility team to adjust medications to limit side effects. The same obstacles HIV- individuals face still apply here. Egg quality, lifestyle habits, and patient age all impact IVF success.
Start your journey to parenthood
IVF is generally considered safe for HIV+ individuals or couples. The road is more challenging, yes, but so is the reward. The goal is to become as healthy as possible with the necessary medication while pursuing IVF. If there are still concerns, there are other options like donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogacy. With proper guidance from doctors and the fertility team, starting or growing a family is possible for HIV+ individuals.
