Question
How risky is it to unblock my fallopian tubes and can I have a child if I have HIV?
8 September 2010. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Hi
I’m HIV positive and my problem is that my fallopian tubes are blocked. How risky is it to unblock them so I can become pregnant? Is it normal for me to be pregnant knowing my HIV status and how is it going to affect me? The doctor said I must do a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test for tubal infertility. How accurate is the test and will I be able to have a HIV negative child? Is the tubal infertility test very important?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Tubal blockages can be caused by various things such as endometriosis, fibroids, infections, genetics and scarring. They account for about 20-25% of all infertility cases. The HSG test uses a dye which they will insert into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. They will then use an x-ray machine to see where the blockage is and the extent of the blockage.
There have been a few cases where the tubes have been opened slightly during the testing process which has helped to increase fertility. Once you have had this test your doctor will be able to advise you on what fertility treatments you need to be able to conceive. For more information on HSG tests please follow this link.
HIV-positive people have the same rights as everyone else to have a child. It is perfectly normal for positive women to have children and to have negative children. Once you have become pregnant then you will need to talk to your HIV doctor about preventing your child from becoming HIV positive. To enable me to give you a more specific answer it would help if you can tell me if you have started treatment, what your CD4 count is and which treatments, if any, you are taking.
For all the information you need about your health, pregnancy and having a baby when you are positive please follow this link to the i-Base guidebook.
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