Question
I am trying to conceive with no luck. Does Atripla kill sperm?
5 April 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
My husband and I are both HIV positive and we are trying for a baby.
I am taking Atripla. We have been trying for a while but I am not getting pregnant at all.
Does Atripla kill sperm?
Answer
Firstly, it is good that you and your husband are looking to the future and planning to have a baby. Many couples living with HIV have had and continue to have healthy HIV negative babies.
In response to your question, there are no studies to show that Atripla kills sperm. The reason why you are not getting pregnant could be due to a number of different factors. These include: whether you are trying to conceive at your most fertile time. This is also known as ovulation. (Ovulation takes place in the middle of your monthly cycle, about 14 days before your period); your age ( generally, the older we get, the less fertile we become); whether both you and your husband are able to conceive naturally and it can also be down to luck. Some couples only need to have sex once before the woman gets pregnant, whereas it can take many years for other couples to conceive.
Can I ask if you have discussed with your doctor your wish to have a baby? He/she will be able to confirm the possible reasons why it is taking time for you to conceive. They will then be able to advise you accordingly.
You and your husband may also find it helpful to read our guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. The guide gives detailed information on the different conception options available for a couple like you.
Good luck with your future plans.
Hi Masilo,
Having low sperm is to do with numerous things, one of which is lifestyle as well as age. If you’re having issues this is something that you’ll need to discuss with a doctor.
I have started ARV 2013 and from 2014 I haven’t sperm during sex,so why not?
Hi Linda no,
Its perfectly fine to take the meds that you’re taking. They won’t have any effect on your baby. Please see here for more info about being pregnant and positive. http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Hi im using triolar tablets and I’m pregnant 22weeks is it safe for my baby .because it contains efavirenz/tenofovir/emtricibatine pls help
Hi, Women who are planning to have a baby are no longer advised to avoid Atripla. See the other replies below about this.
You can find out more about HIV, pregnancy and women’s health here
Me and my partner we both want a baby, should I stop taking Atripla please, I need answer fast.
UK guidelines (BHIVA pregnancy guidelines) no longer emphasise the need to change treatment for women who become pregnant while they are taking Atripla (or any other efavirenz-based combination). They also state that it is okay to become pregnant on efavirenz.
Dear Zinhle
In the past women wishing to conceive were advised not to use Atripla because it contains efavirenz, or to switch if they found out they were pregnant whilst taking it. However, over the past few years, this advice has now changed. Here in the UK, the current UK guidelines for the management of HIV in pregnancy recommend that efavirenz can continue to be used by women considering pregnancy. They also recommend that efavirenz can be used by women diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy.
Hi, I was under the impression that you have to stop Atripla if you trying for a baby.. It is one of the contra indications.
Or am I wrong??