Can HIV+ Father Have a Healthy Baby?

In summary, the couple may not be able to have a baby without getting either the mother or the baby infected. ICSI may be an option, but the baby may still be infected.
  • #1
Suraj M
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Consider this,
A couple, where the male is HIV+ve and the female is perfectly alright, not infected.
Can they have a baby without getting neither the mother nor the baby infected?
Naturally, probably not because, the female will get infected, so by AI(artificial insemination) there is no sexual contact between the two, so the female wouldn't get infected, unless the semen contains the virus( will it? this is my first question)
If we do consider that the mother(female) might get infected, let's try ICSI(intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) where the sperm nucleus is directly injected into the cytoplasm of the ovum(2°oocyte), now will the baby be infected?(I have seen cases where the baby was fine)want to confirm, because my teacher believes that the baby will get infected, and also will the mother get infected?If yes, when?
Thank you in advance
 
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  • #2
ICSI is practiced in cases where the male is HIV positive and the female isn't. So, no, baby won't get infected.
My brother is HIV positive and his baby and wife aren't (thanks to ICSI and something called sperm washing)
The semen contains HIV but the sperm doesn't (there's a debate going on abt this. Google it). But in ICSI, u use the nucleus. And, sure as hell, nucleus doesn't contain HIV.
So, there you go :)
 
  • #3
It's also worth noting that in many cases, antiretroviral drugs can lower one's viral load to undetectable levels, which reduces the chances of transmission during sex. The female can also take antiretroviral drugs which further reduces her risk of becoming infected. Such methods do not guarantee that the virus will not be transmitted but are an option in case the couple does not want to use sperm washing and IVF. See http://www.hiv.va.gov/HIV/mobile/in...faqs/conceiving-with-mixed-HIV-status-couple&
 
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  • #4
Thanks both of you.. appreciate it :)
 
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  • #5
Thanks both
 

1) Can a father with HIV pass the virus to his child during conception?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is possible for a father living with HIV to transmit the virus to his child during conception, but the chances are low. With proper antiretroviral therapy (ART) and an undetectable viral load, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced. It is important for both parents to be on ART and for the mother to continue taking it during pregnancy to further decrease the risk of transmission.

2) Is it safe for an HIV+ father to have unprotected sex with an HIV- mother during pregnancy?

No, it is not safe for an HIV+ father to have unprotected sex with an HIV- mother during pregnancy. The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, and there is a higher risk of transmission during pregnancy due to changes in the mother's immune system. It is important for both partners to use protection, such as condoms, to prevent transmission of the virus.

3) Can an HIV+ father breastfeed his child?

No, an HIV+ father should not breastfeed his child. Breast milk can transmit HIV, and there is no way to ensure that the virus is not present in the milk. It is important for the mother to receive proper medical care and to take ART to reduce the risk of transmission through breastfeeding.

4) Are there any special precautions that an HIV+ father should take when caring for his newborn?

Yes, there are some precautions that an HIV+ father should take when caring for his newborn. It is important to follow proper hand hygiene, such as washing hands before and after handling the baby, and to avoid sharing personal items like towels or utensils. The father should also have an undetectable viral load and be on ART to reduce the risk of transmission.

5) Is it possible for an HIV+ father to have a healthy baby without passing the virus to the child?

Yes, it is possible for an HIV+ father to have a healthy baby without passing the virus to the child. With proper medical care and adherence to treatment, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced. It is important for both parents to receive medical care and for the mother to take ART during pregnancy and delivery to further decrease the risk of transmission. Additionally, the baby may receive medication after birth to prevent HIV transmission.

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