Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, once considered a major contraindication to parenthood, is now a manageable chronic condition due to advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Globally, a large proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are in the reproductive age group and increasingly seek fertility care. However, HIV infection and its treatment can negatively impact fertility in both sexes. In women, it is associated with reduced ovarian reserve, increased susceptibility to pelvic infections, and menstrual irregularities. In men, HIV and ART have been linked to impaired semen parameters, including reduced sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation. This article reviews the magnitude of infertility among HIV-infected couples and examines the rationale for providing fertility treatment in the modern era. It outlines available reproductive options for both sero-discordant and sero-concordant couples, including timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The use of sperm washing techniques, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and strict viral load suppression significantly reduces the risk of horizontal and vertical transmission. Third-party assisted reproduction and its ethical and safety considerations are also discussed. With effective ART, multidisciplinary care, and adherence to standard laboratory protocols, the risk of HIV transmission to partners, offspring, and healthcare providers is minimal. Current evidence strongly supports that HIV infection should not be a barrier to fertility treatment, and individualized reproductive care can safely enable affected couples to achieve parenthood.
Keywords: Hiv, Antiretroviral Therapy (Art), Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technology (Art), Serodiscordant Couples, Sero-Concordant Couples, Sperm Washing, In-Vitro Fertilization (Ivf), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (Icsi), Vertical Transmission, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep), Reproductive Health
How to cite this article: Amey Chugh, Samidha Dalvi, Sakshi., Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Assisted Reproductive Technology. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(29s): 1-5; Doi: 10.25258/Ijddt.16.29s.1