Fatherhood and HIV-positive heterosexual men

OBJECTIVES: The study of HIV and issues of reproduction is women-focused. HIV-positive men are overlooked and understudied. This study examined views on reproduction of heterosexual HIV-positive men. METHODS: Systematic questionnaire data were gathered from HIV-positive men (n=32) attending an HIV clinic in London. RESULTS: Heterosexual men were rarely given medical advice on reproduction (only 9.4%). Few felt fully informed (21.9%), while many felt uninformed (46.9%) or needed more information (28.1%). Over half would value fertility/fathering consultations, up-to-date information and quick referral to fertility clinics. Nearly half (43.8%) had considered having children and 37.5% had had a child prior to HIV diagnosis. HIV status affected views on fathering, and the advent of new treatments changed views in over half of the men. Almost half (41%) believed they would experience discrimination if they conceived a baby and a quarter would withhold their HIV status when attending antenatal clinics. The majority (81%) believed that a child gave meaning to life and something to live for - only 3.1% felt a child would be a burden. Most men overestimated potential vertical transmission and would value time to discuss fathering and fatherhood. CONCLUSIONS: There are gaps in provision. The majority of men felt that children gave meaning to life and a reason to live. Reproduction issues are not raised with HIV-positive men who are uninformed and unclear where to turn for information. Fatherhood should not be shunned as an issue for all HIV-positive men.