Transmission risk of hepatitis C virus via semen during assisted reproduction: how real is it?

The risk of viral transmissibility in assisted reproduction is still a much-debated issue, especially for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a common causative agent for parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis. In addition, it has been incriminated in other routes of transmission, including sexual transmission and nosocomial infections. The management of infertility, in association with HCV, has sparked debates about the potential risk of spread of infection to virus-free individuals, embryos and/or semen. The lack of worldwide-accepted screening policies has helped to fuel this debate. Today, it is evident that there is a potential risk of spread of HCV through biological fluids, including semen, to other individuals. This risk can only be marginalized by the use of well-established criteria for safety in infertility centres, and by the use of proper initial detection and segregation of potentially hazardous materials. Techniques and protocols have been established to help the andrologist and embryologist to safeguard patients against such dangers, and should be imposed in all centres, allowing HCV-positive males to enter their assisted reproduction programmes.