Against Every Medical Odd: HIV, Endometriosis, and Low Ovarian Reserve Didn’t Stand in Their Way

HIV. Endometriosis. Low ovarian reserve. Each diagnosis felt like another door closing. He was HIV positive. She had Grade 4 endometriosis and a diminished ovarian reserve. For years, they lived with the fear of passing something on to each other or to their future child.

On paper, parenthood seemed impossible. But science has a way of rewriting stories when paired with care that truly listens. Today, they are holding a healthy, HIV negative baby girl, living proof that parenthood is not defined by a diagnosis

Case Study: Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar (Dr. Muskaan Chhabra, Centre Head & Senior Consultant)

Case Summary: Their Journey to Parenthood

The couple had been married for 5 years. The husband was HIV-positive but on stable HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy), with viral load suppressed to undetectable levels.

The wife had Grade 4 endometriosis, suppressed menstrual cycles due to prolonged hormonal therapy, and low ovarian reserve. After years of waiting, failed attempts, and emotional fatigue, they turned to Birla Fertility & IVF, determined to make their dream of parenthood a reality.

The Barriers They Faced

This was far from a routine IVF case. Several medical hurdles intertwined to complicate the journey:

• Risk of HIV Transmission: Natural conception was unsafe, requiring stringent ART protocols.
• Semen Processing: Samples had to be processed under strict infectious disease protocols in a specialised lab.
• Grade 4 Endometriosis: Reduced fertility potential and created uterine challenges.
• Suppressed Menstrual Cycle: Years of therapy had disrupted her natural cycle.
• Low Ovarian Reserve: Limited egg supply meant stimulation had to be timed and planned precisely.
• Emotional Exhaustion: The couple needed both psychological support and medical precision.

The Treatment Plan That Made the Difference

“When conventional paths are blocked, precision planning, scientific intent, and deep care are the keys to opening new doors.”

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

• Restoring Menstrual Cycle: Medications were prescribed to re-establish her natural cycle before IVF.
• Safe Semen Preparation: The husband’s HAART continued, and semen was processed to remove viral particles.
• Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Tailored protocols retrieved quality eggs without overburdening her body.
• Embryo Creation & Preservation: 10 oocytes retrieved → 5 viable embryos developed and frozen.
• Endometriosis Suppression & Uterine Readiness: The uterus was optimised for safe implantation.
• Embryo Transfer: A single embryo transfer was performed with precision to ensure safety.

The Outcome

IVF was successful. The couple conceived on the first embryo transfer.

After a full-term pregnancy, they welcomed a healthy baby girl weighing 3 kgs, HIV-negative and thriving.

A Story of Parenthood Against the Odds

This case is proof that HIV does not mean the end of parenthood dreams. With modern ART, interdisciplinary care, and tailored protocols, science and compassion can help achieve parenthood.

At Birla Fertility & IVF, we believe that no challenge is too great when approached with precision medicine and empathetic care. For this couple, what once seemed impossible became their most beautiful reality, holding their healthy baby in their arms