Addressing fertility desires and preconception care needs of men living with HIV: perspectives from HIV providers about addressing the reproductive needs of male patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Preconception care is an essential component of health, particularly among women and men living with HIV and can optimize medical and psychosocial outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data on this topic, especially when evaluating provider communication with male patients. We conducted a multi-site qualitative study in 7 cities in the United States (US) with 92 providers to assess their attitudes and practices regarding preconceptual counseling, safer conception, and preconception care with their patients living with HIV. Providers were contacted to schedule a phone interview. Recorded interviews were transcribed and coded for a priori and emergent themes. Providers reported infrequent communication with male patients with HIV about their reproductive plans and the use of safer conception, acknowledging they were more likely to initiate such communication with female patients. A small percentage of providers reported talking to all of their patients about reproductive options, including men having sex with men (MSM). Currently, there is no consensus or evidence-based guideline for the delivery of preconception care specific to men. Based on our results, we recommend that providers offer preconception care to all men as part of optimizing family planning and pregnancy outcomes; enhancing reproductive health; preparing men for fatherhood; and in the setting of HIV infection, preventing transmission to an uninfected partner.