Question

How can I have a baby with my wife? Will PrEP help?

6 August 2024. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Support.

Hi there, my viral load is 411 and so is detectable but I want to plan baby with my wife who is HIV negative.

The doctor says we can plan the baby with this viral load by my wife using PrEP pills.

I am worried – can I plan baby or not . please help me.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks for your post and for these questions.

Your doctor is right. If you wife takes daily PrEP, this will protect here agains any risk of HIV. This involves taking a pill every day for the time you are trying to conceive.

Most guidelines say to do this for a week before getting full protection, but in the UK, starting with a double dose is used so that your wife is protected within a few hours.

Please see:
https://i-base.info/uk-guide-to-prep-february-2024/

Even though your viral load is not undetectable, the risk is already very low for heterosexual sex, so long as it is less than 500 or even 1000.

It is also important to mention your own health and treatment too. What does your doctor say about getting your viral oad lower to undetectable?

This is important, because a viral load that is detectable at about 400 with steadily increase as drug resistance develops. In the UK this might already be a reason to change your HIV meds. In other countries meds are changed if viral load goes above 1000.

Of you email with details of your HIV and treatment history it is easier to provide more information about your choices.