Owing to their pathology, HIV and HCV serodiscordant couples (one member of the couple is positive and the other is not) must maintain sexual relations using protection (condoms) to prevent them from infecting the disease to their partner. Consequently, this compromises the couple’s desire to have children.

Nowadays, it is possible to determine the quality and quantity of the presence of both HIV and HCV in semen samples from male carriers through the use of molecular techniques. This type of technique is developed in highly specialised clinical analysis laboratories which report the presence or absence of these viruses with a high degree of reliability and, therefore, the possibility of infection for both the partner and their children.

The semen sample is subjected to a 'double wash' which practically eliminates the presence of viruses. The sample is then separated into two: one is used for a molecular analysis of the presence of virus; and the other is cryo-preserved for later use in assisted reproduction. If the semen sample does not contain the virus particles or proviral DNA, it can be used to get the woman pregnant.