Statement Concerning Vasectomies and HIV Transmission

Statement Concerning Vasectomies and HIV Transmission

CDC NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE TRAINING BULLETIN #6 - May 22, 1992
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This is a statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning vasectomies and HIV transmission.

Vasectomies are surgical procedures used to produce sterility in males by separating the passage or duct that carries sperm from the ejaculatory duct. HIV-infected men have HIV in their semen, which contains sperm and white blood cells. Because men who have had vasectomies may sometimes have fewer white blood cells in their semen, and, thus, possibly a lesser amount of virus, vasectomy has been suggested as a possible way of reducing the sexual spread of HIV. Very little data exist on this possibility. However, studies of HIV-infected men who have had vasectomies have found that HIV and HIV-infected white blood cells can enter the semen through the membranes lining the sperm-carrying duct (vas deferens) or urethra. Therefore, the semen of men who have had vasectomies can carry the virus, thus enabling the transmission of HIV.

Keywords: HIV prevention.

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1992. AEGIS.