Introduction: As the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive population ages, issues concerning sexuality and fertility,
among others, are becoming relevant. HIV is still surrounded by stigma and taboos, and there have been few studies conducted
in industrialized settings concerning these questions.We therefore wanted to investigate the perception of sexuality and fertility
in women living with HIV (WLWH) in an industrialized setting, using a questionnaire.
Methods: WLWH were recruited at their regular outpatient clinic visits, at the major Departments of Infectious Diseases in
Denmark and Finland, from January 2012 to October 2013. A questionnaire was developed, study participants were informed of
the nature of study and, if they agreed to participate and signed a consent form, they filled in the questionnaire. Demographic
information on the participants was obtained from patient files (in Finland) or from a national HIV cohort (in Denmark).
Statistical analysis was performed using STATA†, version 11.
Results: In total, 560 women were included in the study. The median age was 44 years. The majority were of white European
origin, with fully suppressed HIV viral load, CD4 cell count 350 mL and mild or no symptoms of their HIV infection. A total of
62% were sexually active, stating condom use as their sole form of contraception. Of the sexually inactive women, one-third
were in steady relationships. Eighty percent reported prior pregnancies, of which the majority had one or more children. Most
children were born prior to the women’s HIV diagnosis and the mode of conception was predominantly natural. One-quarter of
the participating women desired pregnancy, while more than half did not. The remaining quarter either stated that they already
had the desired number of children or chose not to answer the question. Fourteen percent stated that their HIV diagnosis ended
their wish for children; of these women, the median time of diagnosis was between 1995 and 1996. Pregnancy had been
attempted unsuccessfully in one-quarter of study participants. The final question inquired what the risk of mother-to-child
transmission was, with all precautions taken. Fifteen percent estimated the risk to be above two percent.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the majority of WLWH in industrialized settings in Denmark and Finland have few HIV-related
symptoms, are sexually active and have a strong desire for children.