Women with HIV Can Have a Healthy Pregnancy in Iran: Steps, Protocols, Prices

Women living with HIV face one big challenge when they decide to become mothers: how to prevent HIV transmission to their baby. Luckily, this problem can be easily solved by choosing a reliable place to get the necessary treatments. Iran is one of those places where high-quality medical treatments are offered to women with HIV. This country is famous for its modern equipment, adept gynecologists, and experienced infectious disease specialists.

In this article by Raadina Health, we explained everything about HIV treatment protocols in Iran, how to travel there safely, and what the country provides for international patients.

Why Do Women with HIV Travel to Iran before Pregnancy?

There are tens of reasons why HIV-positive women travel to Iran for antenatal care. Here are 4 important ones of them:

  1. Iranian specialists have a high level of expertise and experience in controlling HIV before pregnancy.
  2. The hospitals have modern and advanced medical equipment.
  3. The treatment costs are extremely affordable compared to other countries (see the comparison below).
  4. The healthcare staff are professional in pre-pregnancy care, especially for HIV mothers.

Also, the specialists in Iran rely on early diagnosis, in-time counselling, and the antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce the viral load in infected mothers. Their timely action reduces the risk of HIV transmission to the child to a great extent.

About 94% of HIV-positive mothers who received antenatal care in Iran gave birth to healthy babies. In fact, the live birth rate in mothers having treatment in this country is 98%. The treatments also reduce the risk of HIV transmission throughout all stages, including pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

The journey of women living with HIV

Medical Protocols for HIV Mothers in Iran

Whether you want to get ICSI, IVF, or other fertility treatments, you should follow these medical protocols in Iran:

  1. Undergoing antiretroviral treatment to increase CD4 (a type of white blood cell) levels.
  2. Evaluating the infectious disease and checking how the viral load suppression works (before pregnancy).
  3. Taking fertility tests, such as transvaginal ultrasound, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, hormone blood tests, etc.
  4. Choosing the safest assisted reproductive method (such as IVF, ICSI, etc.) based on the health condition.
  5. Undergoing necessary treatments, like ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer.
  6. Monitoring pregnancy while getting HIV treatment.
  7. Getting special care throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and preparing the body for a safe C-section.
  8. Monitoring the viral load of both mother and newborn. Also, providing post-exposure prophylaxis for the baby to prevent viral replication.
Medical Protocols for HIV

What Does Iran Offer to International HIV Patients?

All international patients can receive long-term counseling and various treatments to control their viral load. Besides that, they can benefit from the following services:

  • HIV monitoring during pregnancy and counseling services at the best healthcare centers in Iran.
  • ART treatment, monitoring the viral load, and checking the mother’s immune system regularly to prevent HIV transmission to the baby.
  • Educational programs and special counseling sessions about mothers’ nutrition plans, postnatal care, and delivery options.
  • Carrying out HIV and fertility treatments simultaneously. Plus, the practitioners offer maternity services to make sure the patients have a healthy pregnancy. 

How to Get a Free Medical Consultation in Iran?

If you are diagnosed with HIV and need a free consultation before getting pregnant, you should contact the Raadina Health team, but first:

Take a blood test (AKA antigen/antibody test) to make sure the virus is controlled.

When the viral load suppression is confirmed, you can send your full medical record to Raadina’s fertility specialists.

The medical team can then suggest the best fertility treatment to the patient. Based on your health condition, they may recommend IVF, ICSI, or surrogacy.

Comparing Iran with Other Countries

In Iran, the pregnancy rate in HIV-positive women who got IVF and ICSI is near the global averages. Now, 89% of women around the world have received the necessary HIV treatments, and Iran is close to international standards in this regard.

In Iran, the embryo transfer success rates are more than 23%, and almost 22% of babies are born without HIV. Moreover, the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies and HIV treatment in Iran are high; that’s why this country is one of the most popular destinations for HIV-positive women who want to have healthy babies.

Fertility Treatment Cost for HIV-Positive Couples in Iran vs in Other Countries

Iran is a cost-effective destination for fertility treatment, especially for people living with HIV. The average cost of IVF is around $4,500, while the total cost of surrogacy is around $5,000.

In many European countries, the cost of a single IVF cycle can reach $20,000 (or even more), and surrogacy is more than $100,000. In Latin America, the cost of these treatments is similar to or a bit higher than that in Iran.

Surrogacy Cost (USD)

IVF Cost (USD)

Country

5,500–5,000

4,500–4,000

Iran

25,000–15,000

6,000–3,000

Turkey

28,000–10,000

5,500–3,000

India

100,000–70,000

7,000–4,000

Spain

150,000–70,000

19,000–10,000

United Kingdom

250,000–150,000

40,000–15,000

United States

80,000–65,000

7,000–4,000

Colombia

Steps to Receive Free Pregnancy Consultation for Individuals with HIV or AIDS

To receive free consultation from Radina Health for pregnancy in women with a history of or current HIV/AIDS, you must first undergo a comprehensive and relevant blood test to ensure that the HIV or AIDS virus is controlled and managed. Once the viral load suppression is confirmed, the test results, along with your complete medical record, will be provided to fertility specialists. Based on the patient’s condition and the specialist’s diagnosis, methods such as IVF in Iran or surrogacy will then be recommended to the mother.

If you require further guidance regarding the exact costs of travel and accommodation in Iran, the estimated duration of treatment, or details on post-recovery support, simply contact the experts at Radina Health through the communication channels below.

Contact Us

Contact us for a free initial consultation about healthy pregnancy with HIV

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Iran if you're HIV-positive and want to get pregnant?

Yes, but international patients should first get a medical visa. With this visa, they can receive safe and high-quality HIV treatment and pregnancy care.

Can international patients with HIV get treatment in Iran?

Yes. In addition to short-term medical services, some university-based centers and hospitals in Tehran and other large cities accept international patients for HIV treatment.

Is my data confidential in Iran?

Yes. All medical staff in Iran are obliged to obey confidentiality policies. So, patients can receive treatment without worrying about their data being exposed.

Can I book an online consultation before I travel to Iran?

Yes. International patients can book an online consultation and get a doctor’s appointment via Raadina Health.

What documents do I need to travel to Iran?

Patients need:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
  • A short-term medical visa.
  • A medical admission form for the clinic or hospital.
  • Complete medical records and test results.
  • International health insurance (if available).

Do I get support after I give birth in Iran?

Yes. Iranian hospitals offer postnatal services to both mother and baby. Many hospitals also provide online follow-up consultations after patients return home.

Does Iran have the necessary facilities for babies born to HIV-positive mothers?

Yes. Iran has advanced medical facilities, and the specialists have enough experience in obstetrics and HIV treatments. So you can rest assured that you and your baby will leave the hospital safe and sound.

Should I take an HIV test before traveling to Iran for pregnancy treatment?

All patients should take an HIV test (blood test) before traveling to Iran. However, if the doctor orders additional tests, they can take them in Iranian labs.

How can I get a free HIV treatment consultation in Iran?

You can receive a free consultation about HIV treatment by contacting the Raadina Health team. This agency offers the best medical tourism services in Iran and helps you with the travel arrangements and medical treatments.

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