Reproductive Options for HIV-Serodiscordant Couples

Reproductive Options for HIV-Serodiscordant Couples

Pablo Barreiro 1, Ann C. Duerr 2, Karen Beckerman 2, Vicente Soriano 3

1 Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III-La Paz University Hospital. Madrid, Spain; 2 NULL; 3 UNIR Health Sciences School and Medical Center, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Madrid, Spain

*Correspondence: Ann C. Duerr, Email not available

Abstract

The foundation of a family is a personal enterprise with deep biological and emotional motivations.Family life is a no lesser priority for individuals living with HIV than for others. Moreover, the dramaticreduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the widespread use ofHAART has led to a growing number of HIV-infected individuals and their partners requiring educationand counseling regarding HIV disease and reproduction. After careful evaluation of health status andfertility in both partners, two main alternatives may be considered – natural conception or assistedreproduction techniques. This review discusses the pros and cons of reproductive options inHIV-infected persons and proposes a protocol for their counseling.

Keywords: HIV. Sexual transmission. Vertical transmission. Antiretroviral therapy. Viral load.

Contents

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