Sperm washing

Sperm washing is a process in which individual sperm are removed from the semen then used in Intra-Uterine Insemination or in vitro fertilisation. The idea is that when the male is HIV positive it will reduce the risk of transmission to the female.

The HIV infection is carried by the seminal fluid rather than the sperm. However, there are still lingering doubts about the safety of the procedure.

The process was first used in Milan, Italy and has so far resulted in no female becoming HIV positive. The oldest child conceived using this method is now about 11 and is HIV negative.