Question
Can an HIV negative woman and her HIV positive partner conceive naturally?
16 January 2018. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, Pregnancy, Sero different couples.
My boyfriend is HIV positive and I am negative. We have unprotected sex regularly and are interested in becoming pregnant the old fashioned way rather than using the sperm washing method.
– What are my chances, percentage wise, of catching HIV?
– How often should I get tested?
– How long does it take for the infection to be detectable?
– Will my baby be at risk?
– Will the baby automatically be HIV positive?
– Is this a very ignorant choice?
– Should I take the medications as well as a precaution?
– Also, is my three year old daughter who lives with us at risk? What should I do to keep her safe?
– What are safe viral load counts for him to have?
I feel very confused, but I love my boyfriend and enjoy our sex life. Please answer these questions and ease my anxiety a bit.
Answer
Thank you for your questions. I shall try and answer them one at a time.
Modern HIV meds are so effective that they also protect your partner. Spermwashing has not been needed or recommended for many years.
What are my chances, percentage wise, of contracting HIV?
An HIV negative woman and an HIV positive man can conceive naturally.
This can be done through limited conception attempts during the most fertile days of your cycle. i.e when you are as ovulating.
If your partner has an undetectable viral load on treatment (ideally for a few months), then the risk becomes zero.
The PARTNER study reported zero HIV transmissions after about 900 couples had sex than 58,000 times without a condom when the positive partner had an undetectable viral load.
For more information on HIV and natural conception, please follow this link on HIV and pregnancy and this link on the Swiss Statement.
How often should I get tested and how long does it take for the infection to be detectable?
For information on HIV testing and the window period [time between exposure and when infection can be picked by an HIV test], please follow this link
Will the baby automatically be HIV positive?
As you are HIV negative, the baby will be HIV negative.
Will my baby be at risk?
Your baby can be at risk if you become HIV positive whilst pregnant and your viral load is very high. Returning to using condoms after you become pregnant might still be a good idea, even when your partners viral load is undetectable.
A high viral load is one of the main risk factors for transmission. If viral load is detectable, there is a higher risk of catching HIV during pregnancy.
Transmission to the baby can occur at 3 stages, but only if you become HIV positive.
- During pregnancy
- At the time of delivery
- Through breast-feeding.
However, there are interventions to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby during pregnancy and birth. These include:
- Taking treatment so that viral load is undetectable by the time of delivery
- Giving the baby a course of treatment for the first 4 weeks of life.
For more information please follow this link.
Is it an ignorant choice?
This is not an ignorant choice. Many thousands of couples in your situation have children naturally. Luckily treatment now dramatically reduces the risk of transmitting HIV if this process is done carefully.
However, it is important that both you and your partner make an informed choice. It is recommended that you discuss your options with your doctor.
Should I take medication as a precaution?
Sometimes PrEP [Pre exposure Prophylaxis] and PEP [Post Exposure Prophylaxis] are used an additional precaution. This involves taking a single dose of treatment before and after having sex.
PrEP is not likely to add much or any protection, because having an undetectable viral load is enough. It might help for psychologically if you are nervous. PrEP is very effective too.
More information on PrEP is at this this link
Is my 3 year old at risk and what should I do to keep her safe?
Your 3 year old is not at risk as HIV is not transmitted from daily activity.
What are safe levels for my partner’s viral load?
The risk of transmission is so low when your partner has an undetectable viral load that is it generally thought to be close to zero.
Note: This question was updated in January 2018 and September 2016 from an original answer in September 2011.
My girlfriend is HIV positive so may I continue to marry her or am I putting myself at dangerzone? I love her very much.I want 2 have children with her. So my kids would be safe, how many kids can a person have if they are HIV positive?
i-Base no longer answer individual questions about risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing. This is because information on both these subjects is now online in two resources:
A FAQ page on testing and transmission:
http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing
And a more detailed but easy to read guide to testing and sexual transmission:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
My girlfriend of 4 yrs had a miscarriage and then blood was taken for tests and the test result was written reactive. No one said anything to us that was 2011 now this year she had one again that’s when i saw that result which says reactive. Doe this mean she is positive? If yes is it possible that i might be negative? Please help.
The risk is low because your girlfriend probably has a very low or undetectable viral load after 3 months. You still want to use condoms but if an accident happens the risk is too low form most doctors to prescribe PEP.
Information on transmission risk, testing and PEP is now online in two resources:
A FAQ page on testing and transmission:
http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing
And a more detailed but easy to read guide to testing and sexual transmission:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
I had sex with my HIV positive glfrnd and the condom complitly bust. we did not hear it and only found out after sex. we went to see her HIV councillor she did not suggest any PEP medication but only told me to test after three months. she has been on arvs for 3 months. what are the chances of gettng an infection? and what measures are ncsary 4 us to take in the future of such an event.
HI Hlangi,
Everybody is different and it’s impossible to tell how quickly your wife’s CD4 count will change. CD4 counts go up and down and you need more than one result to know what it means for your wife’s health. Can I ask if she is currently on treatment? In the UK and South Africa treatment guidelines recommend starting treatment when your CD4 is 350 or below. Please follow this link for more information about CD4 counts and starting treatment.
My wife has a CD4 count of 260, tested positive, how long does the virus take before CD4 drops?
The i-Base guide to HIV and pregnancy has more information on your options.
http://i-base.info/guides/
Juice is great if you like juice. Looking after your health is also good to hear.
It is very possible to have a child while one partner is positive and the other is negative. As long as the negative partner maintains an undetectable viral load, and you both lead a healthy lifestyle, i.e. exercise, proper diet, limit alcohol use and absolutely no drugs…even weed, the chance of infection is very low. As an alternative, think about purchasing a juicer! Try juicing fresh veggies and fruits to boost both immune systems. Kale, Carrots, Oranges, Blueberries, Cranberries…juice at least 3 times a week, you both will see and feel a difference.
You can only know your HIV status by having a test. If you are still negative then your baby would not be able to have HIV.
If you were having sex with your partner during the pregnancy, without using a condom, and your partner was HIV-positive at that time, then it is important for you to test.
Sometimes women test negative at the start of the pregnancy but become HIV positive during, so it is good to be sure now.
This will be important for your babies health to because you are breastfeeding.