HIV and Pregnancy
Can I get pregnant if me or my partner are carriers of HIV?
Being diagnosed with HIV does not mean that it is impossible to have children. Of course, it is always important to take into account your health, and also how controlled or advanced the virus is in your system. If you are taking the proper treatments, this can help lower the chances that the baby is not born with the virus. It is very important to consult your doctor before making any decisions, especially if you are not taking any treatments. The doctor can give you the information on the best way to proceed.[1]
What if neither of us know if we are carriers of HIV?
Women are more susceptible to the virus than men. Nowadays there are a variety of options that have been of great help to many people who suffer from this virus and even for people who have had relationships with a person carrying it and not being properly informed. For example, neither of them knowing that they may or may not have the virus. It is best to see your doctor right away to determine whether or not you can start PrEP or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications that help prevent infection (HIV) after exposure.[2] If this is not possible, the recommended step to take would be to verify which treatment is the right one for you and to always practice safe sex.
Could the baby be born with HIV?
The important thing to do is to consult with your doctor to determine whether or not you are receiving the appropriate treatments and if not, then to start as soon as possible. This may help to reduce the possibility of the baby being born with the virus. The correct treatments may lower the risk that you can transmit the virus to the baby to less than 1%.[3]
If you are thinking of conceiving, consult your doctor beforehand so that they can tell you whether or not you are suitable for it. They can offer you other options as well, including sperm donors and in vitro fertilization, among others. It must be taken into consideration that your health plan may not cover these options. Were these options not to be possible, then you can consider adoption, thus giving yourselves the opportunity to fulfill that desire to be parents and have a family.
Today we live in a world where advancements in the field of medicine when it comes to HIV is slowly progressing for the better. Perhaps there may be no cure during our lifetimes, but at the moment there are medicines that make living with the infection manageable. It is up to everyone to guide themselves in seeking the most up to date information when it comes to this topic to ensure making the best decisions. Consult your doctor and clarify any doubts.
Intro for the blog
[1] Pregnancy and HIV
https://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/living-hiv/pregnancy-and-hiv
[2] Pregnancy and HIV
https://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/living-hiv/pregnancy-and-hiv
[3] Pregnancy and HIV
https://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/living-hiv/pregnancy-and-hiv