Can HIV Patients Achieve Healthy Babies through U.S. IVF-PGT? Dr. Nathan Zhang from IVF USA Responds: Certainly!

2023-12-23 19:51:44，visits： 340

Previously, the media heatedly discussed the gene-edited baby incident in China, sparking extensive debates. However, our focus should shift to a more practical and crucial question: Can HIV patients embrace the possibility of having healthy babies through U.S. IVF-PGT technology?

Let's revisit the gene-editing baby incident. In 2018, a Chinese associate professor claimed to have successfully edited the genes of a baby, prompting profound reflections on the ethical issues surrounding gene editing. However, for an HIV carrier, the consideration of whether such an aggressive method is necessary deserves thoughtful examination. In contrast, U.S. IVF-PGT technology is undoubtedly a more mature and secure choice. Why resort to overly radical measures?

The primary transmission routes of HIV include blood transmission, sexual transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Some have even questioned whether mosquitoes can transmit HIV. In reality, data shows that the probability of mosquitoes transmitting HIV is almost zero. Therefore, for HIV patients, the risk of HIV transmission through mosquitoes can be definitively ruled out.

Dr. Nathan Zhang, an expert in the field of assisted reproduction, a U.S.-trained medical doctor, and the founder of IVF USA, points out that for male HIV carriers, achieving pregnancy through U.S. IVF-PGT only requires the application of sperm washing technology. The principle of this technique involves injecting semen into a test tube, mixing it with a permeating agent, and using high-speed centrifugation to remove semen containing the HIV virus, thereby ensuring the health of the fertilized egg.

For female carriers, although the process may be slightly more complex, achieving the dream of having healthy babies through U.S. IVF-PGT is still possible. The HIV virus does not affect the female egg itself, but mother-to-child transmission remains a risk. In such cases, it is recommended to ensure the baby's health through third-party means, avoiding the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

Dr. Nathan Zhang emphasizes once again that HIV is an infectious disease, not a hereditary one. In the U.S., routine IVF is available for HIV patients, with the only difference being the need for special antiviral pre-processing of sperm and eggs before proceeding with standard IVF methods. This process has been successfully implemented globally, providing a safe and effective fertility option for HIV patients.

A couple from Fushun, Liaoning, diagnosed with HIV in 2008, successfully welcomed a healthy baby in 2011 through U.S. IVF-PGT technology. Survey data indicates that millions of couples infected with the HIV virus successfully conceive through IVF each year, with a health rate of up to 99.99%. Thus, with proper methods, HIV patients can still enjoy a higher quality of life and have healthy babies.

Dr. Nathan Zhang cautions that there are over 1300 licensed IVF doctors in the U.S. distributed among more than 400 reproductive centers. These centers are all privately owned or in partnership, and there are significant differences between each center and doctor. Most doctors and clinics are still practicing traditional second-generation IVF, so careful consideration is essential before opting for U.S. IVF-PGT to ensure the best medical outcomes.