Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Techniques for HIV-1-discordant Couples Using Thawed Washed Sperm in Taiwan: Comparison With Control and Testicular Sperm Extraction/Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration Groups

Background/PurposeAn increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-l)-discordant couples in Taiwan have been seeking fertility help. We conducted the first clinical trial in Taiwan of assisted reproductive technology (ART) using sperm washing and viral load measurement.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2009, we performed 22 ART cycles on 14 HIV-1-discordant couples. The sperm washing involved density gradient centrifugation followed by swim-up method. HIV-1 RNA was checked by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with a sensitivity of 40 copies/mL. In addition, we enrolled two other groups of ART recipients using frozen sperm to compare the clinical outcomes.ResultsThere were five pregnancies in the fresh cycles (23.8%) of HIV-1-discordant couples and the cumulative pregnancy per couple was 42.9% (6/14). The data were comparable with normal controls and testicular sperm extraction/microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration groups. The nine babies and the 14 women in this study showed no seroconversion.ConclusionThe preliminary data showed good ART results in HIV-1-discordant couples. Fertility services should not be withheld from individuals with HIV-1, although larger series are needed to reach conclusions about safety.