This article describes the impact of the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) on clinical infertility practice. HIV is responsible for acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and first became apparent in 1979, but was not fully recognised by clinicians and scientists until 1981. It is a new disease which now infects large numbers of humans, and there is the possibility that the virulence of the virus may change or mutations may render current testing strategies ineffective. For these reasons, it is important to have a cautious and flexible approach to minimise risk to infertile couples and to future children.