Background
When the HIV epidemic began, the world feared illness and death. Dreams and plans for the future had to put on hold, because if infected with the virus meant a short life expectancy. People living with HIV also had to careful to not pass the virus on to others.
For those who desired to have (more) children, being HIV positive, meant the end of a dream, as HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Over the years, significant scientific progress has been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV, which has impacted positively on future perspectives of those infected with the virus.
Under certain conditions HIV positive women and men, can pursue their dream to have children. These conditions are:
- Adherence to HIV therapy
- Undetectable viral load
- Not infected with other STD’s
A condom not only protects you from HIV, it also prevents pregnancies. Research has shown that the HIV virus is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. However, the egg (female) and the sperm (male) do not get infected with the HIV virus. If a person consistently use their HIV medication, the viral load will become undetectable in these bodily fluids.
HIV is transmitted, because of small invisible damage that occurs, to the lining of the penis and vagina, during unprotected sex. Because of the anatomy of the vagina, the sperm remains trapped for some time after ejaculation, which puts women most at risk of an infection.
The Lobi Foundation wants to reach out to people living with HIV, who want to fulfill their desire to have children by providing with counseling and guidance for save conception and using a method in which sperm will undergo specialized washing before being inserted in the vagina (intrauterine insemination) Before beginning with this course of treatment, certain criteria need to be met.
The consultation
Both partners must be present during the consultation, in which the pros and cons of this treatment option are discussed and explained in detail. The couple will be asked to sign a form, stating to be aware of the possible risks and agreeing with the treatment. The couple will also have to meet the aforementioned pre conditions of:
- Adherence to therapy under regular supervision of a physician.
- An undetectable viral load for at least six months and.
- Having no additional STD’s.
If all of these criteria are met, the menstrual cycle will be mapped in order to determine the most suitable time for insemination. In some cases the ovulation can be determined, by using medication. When ovulation is indicated, the washed semen is inserted into the uterus. Before this is done, the sperm is tested for HIV. Only when the test is negative, the sperm is being inserted into the uterus. During the treatment period one or more ultrasound examinations may be done. If the treatment is not successful, it can be repeated until success is achieved.
Pregnant?
If the treatment is successful, you will be referred to the gynecologist of your choice, who will then continue to supervise the pregnancy. If the woman is the HIV positive partner, she will also have to use HIV inhibitors during her pregnancy to prevent transmission to her child.
