Background: Couples where the male partner is HIV-infected but the female p
artner is not often express a desire for children. Assisted reproduction te
chniques (ART) with sperm "wash" can reduce the risk of acquisition of infe
ction for the woman. The information about the characteristics of such coup
les coming to these clinics for advice and support is scant.
Objective: To describe the characteristics of a cohort of HIV-discordant co
uples seeking reproductive assistance in a referral clinic in Barcelona, Sp
ain.
Methods: Demographic, social and HIV related information were collected pro
spectively according to a standard protocol. Blood tests, a full evaluation
for STDs and sperm analysis were performed.
Results: Between April 1994 and February 1999, 140 couples contacted the cl
inic for reproductive advice, 100 couples were fully assessed and were offe
red reproductive assistance. The vast majority were white, with a history o
f injecting drug use. Nearly half of the men had been diagnosed during thei
r present relationship. STDs were uncommon and abnormalities among sperm an
alysis were frequent.
Conclusion: An increasing number of HIIV infected individuals desire to hav
e children. With the introduction of HAART and the safety of sperm wash in
such cases, the need to have children is more frequently expressed. These c
ouples are in general healthy and accept to be included in an ART program.