title: Provider Attitudes toward Discussing Fertility Intentions with HIV-Infected Women and Serodiscordant Couples in the USA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent research suggests that pregnancy is a potentially safe option for couples with at least one HIV-infected adult. Data regarding provider discussion of fertility intentions with women living with HIV (WLWH) or in serodiscordant relationships is limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional self-administered survey of health professionals who provide HIV services to women in order to assess knowledge and behaviors regarding family planning options for HIV-infected women and serodiscordant couples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 77 respondents, 47(61%) met the inclusion criteria (health care provider who cares for WLWH). Approximately half (57%) of the participants indicated that they always or usually discuss contraception or fertility intentions with their HIV+ female patients of reproductive age. When asked to indicate their awareness of techniques to decrease HIV transmission risk among serodiscordant couples attempting pregnancy, most participants reported awareness of multiple options. Discussion of contraception or fertility intentions was not associated with provider gender, age, and experience in caring for HIV-infected patients, previous training in women's health or provider's awareness of options to decrease transmission risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HIV providers in this study were knowledgeable of practices that can lead to safer conception and prevent HIV transmission among individuals in serodiscordant relationships but did not always discuss this information with their patients. Further research is needed to explore optimal methods for encouraging such conversations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rahangdale
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carda-Auten
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grodensky
keywords: Fertility; HIV; Provider; Serodiscordant couples; Women