Sperm washing

Sperm washing could be an option for couples who are both HIV-positive, or where the man is HIV-positive and the woman is not.

It is a technique used to separate the seminal fluid, which contains HIV, from the sperm, which do not contain HIV. The remaining sperm are placed in a substitute fluid and inserted into the woman’s vagina when she is ovulating (the time when women are most fertile).

Although it can’t be absolutely guaranteed that no HIV remains, sperm washing is considered very safe.
Sperm washing is only available for people with HIV at a few clinics in the UK and you may have to pay for this service. Your doctor or GP can give you more information or answer any queries you may have regarding sperm washing.

To be eligible for sperm washing you will need a referral from your doctor with details of your viral load and CD4 count. There may be other eligibility criteria, depending on which clinic you go to.

If you have difficulty in conceiving or if your partner has a low sperm count, you may want to investigate IVF (in vitro fertilisation) together with sperm washing. You can ask your doctor for a referral to an assisted conception unit where you should receive the same service as couples who are not HIV-positive.

The success rate for sperm washing varies depending on technique used to implant the sperm.

You could also consider the option of using donor sperm.

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