Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and infertility: emerging problems in the era of highly active antiretrovirals.

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.
DESIGN: PubMed computer search to identify relevant articles.
SETTING: Research institution. PATIENT(S): None. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): None. RESULT(S): 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. CONCLUSION(S): 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.