How effective is sperm washing?

Published: 07 April 2009

The BHIVA/CHIVA guidelines for the management of pregnancy in HIV-infected women recommend sperm washing (or donor insemination) as the safest conception method to protect the uninfected female partner of an HIV-positive male.1

A study reported in 2007 declared sperm washing to have a zero risk of HIV transmission. There have been no cases of seroconversion in either female partner or child born in over 3000 cycles of sperm washing combined with IUI, IVF or ICSI reported in the literature to date.2

The success rate of conception after sperm washing in the UK is about the same as it is for the methods used to implant it – around 12% for insemination and just over 30% for IVF.

References

  1. de Ruiter A et al. British HIV Association and Children's HIV Association guidelines for the management of HIV infection in pregnant women 2008. HIV Med 9: 452-502. Available online at www.bhiva.org, 2008
  2. Bujan L et al. Safety and efficacy of sperm washing in HIV-1 serodiscordant couples where the male is infected: results from the European CREAThE network AIDS 21: 1909-1914, 2007
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.