title: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and infertility: emerging problems in the era of highly active antiretrovirals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the effects of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in terms of its associated comorbid conditions and the side effects of antiretroviral treatment on fertility.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed computer search to identify relevant articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Biological alterations in reproductive physiology may account for subfertility in patients infected with HIV. Psychosocial factors in patients with HIV infection may affect their reproductive desires and outcomes. Antiretroviral medications may have direct toxicity on gametes and embryos. Available evidence indicates that fertility treatments can be a safe option for couples with HIV-discordant infection status, although the potential risk of viral transmission cannot be completely eliminated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because their potential reproductive desires are increasingly becoming a concern in the health care of young HIV-infected patients, additional data are needed to address the effect of HIV and its treatments on their fertility and reproductive outcomes.
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, USA. vitalykushnir@emory.edu
authors: Vitaly A
authors: VA
authors: Kushnir
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors