How Can I Discuss Reproductive Health with My Patients?

Discuss:

• Role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintaining a durably controlled viral load (viral load remains undetectable for at least 6 months after their first undetectable test result) in:
  • Optimizing health
  • Preventing sexual and perinatal HIV transmission
  • Disclosure of HIV status
  • Partner’s HIV status and HIV treatment (ART) or prevention options (including condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis, non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis)

Provide:

• Screening and treatment of both partners for sexually transmitted infections
• Treatment and management of other acute or chronic conditions
• Screening, referrals, and resources for mental health and for substance or alcohol use
• Screening, referrals, and resources for intimate partner violence
• Recommended immunizations

Discuss as needed:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy activity level, weight, and diet
• Stopping smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke
• Taking multivitamins with 400 mcg of folic acid daily (for individuals who can become pregnant)

• Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-1-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States
• Before, Between, and Beyond Pregnancy