sperm anylized for hiv??

[dingowarrior]

anyone know where in NY/NJ  one can get a viral load on how much HIV is in my sperm?
I cant find a lab that would do that..one guy said that he doesnt know of such a test..any info would be greatly appreciated.

sorry if this is the wrong board. 

[thunter34]

I've never heard of such a test, though I do know there is a procedure for "sperm washing" for fertilization purposes.

I am curious why you would want to know this particular information vs. a regular blood VL test.

[dingowarrior]

yes, i've heard of the sperm washing process and have done it twice,unfortunatley my wife didnt become pregnant..
actually we did the first time,but she had a miscarraige.
upon doing research,and speaking to my I.D. doctor.he told me since i'm undetectable,the odds are greatly in our favor to conceave naturally without passing the virus to my wife or baby..but,she is still nervous(rightfully so)
so,I thought if I can get my sperm anylized for hiv viral load,and if its undetectable,we would try to conceave naturally.

[thunter34]

I understand, but you've reached an area to which I can't comfortably contribute.  There are greater HIV wizards on here than me that may offer you more appropriate responses.

[vokz]

If you are going for totally natural conception, then you really should be doing it with the advice of a competent doctor.

The doctor should be able to arrange for a full semen analysis (which can also check the viral load of your semen).

This is important for two reasons:

• Ten percent of men who achieve undetectable viral load in their blood will still have a detectable level of virus in their seminal fluid
• Your sperm count and/or the motility of your sperm may be such that the chances of natural conception are too low to even make it worth taking the risk of having unprotected intercourse

Another reason for doing it under the guidance of a competent doctor would be for your wife to be given some sort of PRE-exposure prophylaxis.

[Tim Horn]

Dingowarrior:

You might be very interesting in this article posted to AIDSmeds.com. In the article, there's contact information for the Bedford Research Foundation's Special Program of Assisted Reproduction (SPAR), which offers both semen testing and sperm washing to HIV-positive and HIV-serodiscordant couples who want to become pregnant. SPAR works with a variety of fertility clinics throughout the United States -- including a few in the New York metropolitan area -- who offer a variety of services to HIV-positive people.   

Take a look and let us know if you have any specific questions.

Tim Horn