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.
Hi Riri,
Please see Q6 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
And the following link:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
I jus discoverd my boyfriend z infected n i stil love him n wanna have babies with him .how do i do this without getting me infected
Hi Nomahli,
Please see the above post and the following link:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
Hie
l am an hiv nagative mother married to an hiv positive man l would love to have a child in future but m afraid l might get infected…please advise
Hi Queen,
If you’re asking if its possible to have a relationship with someone who’s positive, the answer is yes. Many people are in relationships with people who are positive and it isn’t an issue. If you’re worried about transmission, if your partner is on meds, then there’s no risk.
How can I live with my HIV positive partner?
Hi Ltumeleng,
Please see the above post and Q6 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
The following may also be helpful:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
My partner is HIV positive and I’m not we living together and want to have a baby but I’m scared cause I struggle to conceive what are the risk of me being infected as I don’t conceive easily meaning will have to intimate regularly
Hi Peruth,
I can’t comment on what he may or may not be up to. However, being calm is a good reaction, as too is being understanding.
I just told my partner about my HIV status and his reaction was calm..he only asked me how my viral load has been since we were having unprotected sex and i told him its excellent and he said he’s cool it doesn’t need to worry about it he still loves me!!but he seems to calm after d news i gave him so am abit scared he might not be wanting to say his mind but might not stay with me!!what do u think he’s upto