[Assisted reproductive technology in the presence of chronic viral disease].

Introduction: The first fertility unit dedicated to the treatment of couples infected with chronic viral diseases in Israel was established at the Rambam Medical Center in 2010. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in order to provide appropriate treatment to the viral disease, and to minimize the risks of infecting the partner, the embryo and others in the fertility unit.

Objective: To review 2 years-experience providing fertility care to couples seropositive for HIV, HBV and HCV.

Modulation of heart rate variability by estrogen in young women undergoing induction of ovulation.

Estrogens are involved in the modulation of the cardiovascular system, yet their effects in young women remains largely unknown. Women who undergo ovulation induction treatments attain extremely high estrogen concentrations during a very short time period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an acute increase in estrogens on the autonomic nervous system modulation of heart rate variability (HRV).

[Insemination from HIV-positive males].

Introduction: Discordant couples, in which the man is HIV positive and the woman is HIV negative, face limited options when they wish to produce healthy children whilst practicing safe sex. In order to conceive they must abandon unprotected sex, which carries high risk of HIV infection to the woman.

Objective: To develop a method for removing the HIV from semen and then perform intra uterine insemination, following verification of the HIV-negative spermatozoa fraction by PCR.