Question
I am HIV positive, can I still have children?
28 February 2011. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, Newly diagnosed, Pregnancy.
Hi,
I was recently diagnosed in Jan 2011. I am a male and I’m only 23 yrs old. I’m still young, healthy, eat right/well, exercise 3-4 times a week, etc. I am hoping for the best for my future to live as long as I possibly can.
If I start meds (I dont think I have to, but I will see my doctor in the upcoming days for the first blood work results) and consistently have good blood results, (CD4 = 500+, VL = undetectable, etc) and I’m consistently adhering and continuing to live a good lifestyle, what is the risk of HIV tranmission from me to a female in terms of natural conception?
I’ve recently read the ‘Swiss study’ about the very low transmission risk from positive male to negative female if the male has no STIs/other diseases, adheres to their meds, eats/exercises/stays stress free, has an undetectable VL for over 6 months etc. – but how ‘low’ is the risk? Do you know what the percentage, or ratio is in numbers based on the Swiss study or similar studies that have been done?
I think there was a similar study in France, which had similar results to the Swiss one, but I cant seem to find what the risks of transmission in numbers is anywhere for any of these studies. I just want to know how ‘low’ it is if possible.
As I said before, I’m still young and one of my goals in life is to have at least 2 children, specifically one by the age of 30. I’m more-so looking at the method of natural conception and the risks of transmission that go along with it, and not the expensive sperm washing method.
Also what are your opinions on the Swiss study? I do read mixed results everywhere so I’m not too 100% sure at all. My doctor agrees the risk is very low, but I would like your opinion as well if possible.
Thanks
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It is great to see that you are trying to get as much information as you need and that you are planning for your future.
The Swiss Statement, based on the study you mentioned, describes the transmission risk for someone on stable therapy as “negligible” and “similar to risks of daily life”. It is impossible to put a percentage risk on this. The good news is that many discordant couples (where one person is positive and the other negative) are managing to have negative children and not infect each other. They are doing this by taking their doctor’s advice, only having unprotected sex when the woman is ovulating and when the positive person’s viral load has been undetectable for at least 6 months.
The Swiss study is very accurate and as a result many doctors are now promoting controlled natural conception over sperm washing which is both expensive, emotionally exhausting and has a poor success rate.
Hello Destiny,
It is very unusual to have two false positive test results. You should go to your clinic or doctor for another test to check this. If you go to a clinic to be tested you should be provided with counseling to help you understand your test results.
Hello Destiny,
It’s very unusual to have two false-positive test results. It is important to get retested by your doctor or a clinic. For more information about testing please take a look at our testing guide
I’ve recently found out that I’m positive for HIV after donating plasma at a plasma center, And a few weeks later I was called stating that my confirmatory results were in. When I went back they expressed to me that It was a false positive and that I should get retested at a health clinic or with my doctor. This is the second time I’ve had a false positive. What does this mean? Should I get retested? I’m only 19 and don’t have anyone to talk to.
Finding out you are HIV positive is never easy. For more information written by people who have been in the same position please follow this link.
The good news is that many many things can lead to rashes other than HIV. If you do not want to tell your family then you can say you are allergic to something or it is heat rash or just as a result of something else. That way they will not have to find out until you are ready to tell them about your status.
I’m female & I’m 31 years old. I recently tested for HIV and my result came positive now I’m scared, I didn’t tell my family, now I have developed skin rashes all over my body & they are suspicious.