The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their recommendations for women and men trying to conceive with possible Zika virus exposure:
- Women who have Zika virus disease should wait at least 8 weeks after symptom onset to attempt conception.
- Men with Zika virus disease should wait at least 6 months after symptom onset to attempt conception.
- Women and men with possible exposure to Zika virus, but without symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease, should wait at least 8 weeks after exposure to attempt conception.
- Possible exposure to Zika virus includes people in the following situations:
- Travel to or residence in an area of active Zika virus transmission (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html)
- Sex (vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or fellatio) without a condom with a man who travelled to or resided in an area of active transmission.
The doctors at Reproductive Partners urge all women who are actively trying to conceive heed these warnings and be alert for additional recommendations from the CDC.