Question

We are both positive, can we have a negative baby?

1 April 2011. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections, Pregnancy.

If my partner and I are both HIV positive, are we still able to conceive with the outcome of the child being HIV negative? If so, what is the process? Do we have to do in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)/sperm washing? I also have hepatitis C. Please help.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Does your partner also have hep C? Do either of you have resistance? Are you taking treatment? What are your viral loads?

Usually if both you and your partner are positive then you can have unprotected sex to conceive and then the woman would have to take treatment for HIV (if she is not already taking it) to protect the child. You would not need IVF or sperm-washing. If the woman takes the HIV meds then the baby can be negative for HIV. For more information please follow this link.

The complication comes in if either of you has resistance and a detectable viral load or if your partner does not have hep C. You should talk to your HIV doctor about how to go about conceiving safely.