Sperm-washing techniques for the HIV-infected male: rationale and experience

It is estimated that the probability for viral transmission to occur from a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive male to an uninfected female is approximately 0.001 per act of unprotected sexual intercourse1-4. Although the risk of acquiring infection is low per event, if a couple wishes to conceive, a woman faces considerable risk of infection, given the need for numerous acts of unprotected intercourse that are often required in order to achieve pregnancy. HIV infection is most prevalent in adults of reproductive age, and sexual intercourse is the most common means by which women are infected with HIV.