
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
A technique called sperm washing, a laboratory process that removes HIV from semen, has dramatically lowered the odds of transmitting HIV from an HIV-positive prospective father to his female partner or to their unborn child through in vitro fertilization. But now Japanese researchers have found a way to lower the HIV risks even further. Sperm washing works by separating sperm from HIV genetic material in a test tube. HIV sinks to the bottom of the tube, while HIV-free sperm swim to the top. But the current method entails a very small risk of HIV infection, since minute amounts of HIV proviral DNA can exist in seminal cells. In the journal AIDS scientists reported having developed a genetic test that can detect a single piece of proviral material in a pool of 1.8 million sperm. The test allows doctors to reject sperm samples with even the slightest trace of virus present. They also have improved the test-tube separation method to lessen the chances of HIV mixing with human genetic material. The new techniques were used in a study of 52 HIV-positive men and their female partners in Japan. No HIV RNA or proviral DNA were detected in any of the sperm samples that underwent sperm washing. Twenty of the women conceived through in vitro fertilization by using the washed sperm; none of the women or their babies contracted HIV.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
The Pride Store: Discover More LGBTQ+ & Ally Brands Tailor Made for Celebrating Your Identity
November 30 2023 3:04 PM
Shop Your Pride: Dive into LGBTQ+ & Ally Brands with The Grand Opening of The Pride Store
November 28 2023 5:32 PM
These Black Queer Podcasts (Featuring Literally Zero Cis White Gay Men) Deserve Your Ears
November 28 2023 11:55 AM
7 Uplifting Films To Celebrate Trans Awareness Week & Where To Stream Them
November 17 2023 10:25 AM
Out's Deal Guide: Grab Your 50% Off Amazon Fire Tablets & More Recommended Deals on Amazon Today!
November 03 2023 3:44 PM
Unlock Massive Savings at 'The Holiday Shop': Amazon's Hottest Deals of the Season Await!
November 02 2023 2:17 PM
Dianne Feinstein’s Commitment to People Living With HIV Won’t Be Forgotten
November 02 2023 1:27 PM
Trending stories
Most Recent
Recommended Stories for You
Bob Adams
Editor
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.