Safer conception interventions for HIV-affected couples: implications for resource-constrained settings

Top Antivir Med. 2011 Nov;19(4):148-55.

Abstract

Developing and testing safer conception methods that reduce HIV transmission to HIV-seronegative partners in serodiscordant couples and reduce superinfection in HIV-seroconcordant couples is a crucial but often unaddressed component of HIV prevention programs. Most research has focused on developed-world settings, where "high-technology" assisted reproduction techniques are used for HIV-serodiscordant couples in which the male is HIV-infected. There is a dearth of research on safer conception methods for HIV-seropositive women and "low-technology" harm-reduction strategies for HIV-affected couples, including vaginal insemination for HIV-seropositive women and natural conception methods for HIV-seroconcordant and -serodiscordant couples. This review summarizes international studies of safer conception interventions for HIV-affected couples, with a focus on feasibility in public-sector health settings where assisted reproductive technology is not readily available. Given that such low-technology options are feasible in most settings, well-designed, prospective interventions offering low-technology safer conception methods need to be developed and tested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Fertilization*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Harm Reduction
  • Humans
  • Sexual Partners