What to do in a situation whereby the male partner is HIV+ and his female partner is not? Chances are high that she will contract HIV if they were to conceive a child naturally.
The risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) transmission to the female partner, or potential offspring of an infected man can be reduced using semen decontamination procedures before Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART).
In the case of HIV, blood viral loads and CD4 counts must be produced that are satisfactory to the Specialists, before producing a sample to be used for the wash procedure.
Using Density Gradient Centrifugation, the sample is washed and specialised apparatus ensures that cross-contamination does not occur during this process. Once this sample has been successfully washed, it will be used for the assisted reproductive treatments.
It must be noted that this is purely a precautionary procedure.
Fertility Specialist Dr. Goolam H Mohamed brings a wealth of knowledge from his medical journey that began in 1975 at King George’s Medical School, India. With a Master’s in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from MEDUNSA, and extensive global training in infertility and assisted reproduction, Dr. Mohamed is well-versed to guide hopeful parents on their fertility journey.
Dr. GH Mohamed