Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many individuals and couples, involving a gestational carrier who carries a pregnancy to term. A common question for potential surrogates concerns existing health conditions, such as herpes. Having herpes does not automatically disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate. With proper medical management, individuals with herpes can often proceed with a surrogacy journey.
Herpes and Surrogacy Eligibility
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection, with two main types: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). Both can cause genital lesions, and individuals may carry the virus without visible symptoms. Surrogacy agencies conduct thorough medical screenings, including blood work and medical record reviews, to assess a candidate’s overall health.
Eligibility for surrogacy with herpes depends on a careful evaluation of medical history. Agencies and fertility clinics assess how well the condition is managed, outbreak frequency, and adherence to medical guidelines. A history of well-managed herpes, especially if dormant or infrequent, is generally not an automatic disqualifier. A surrogate candidate must be asymptomatic at the time of embryo transfer to minimize potential risks.
Managing Herpes During Pregnancy
Medical professionals manage herpes in pregnant surrogates with specific protocols to promote a healthy pregnancy. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, are commonly prescribed, often starting around 36 weeks of gestation.
The primary goal of this suppressive therapy is to prevent herpes outbreaks as delivery approaches. By reducing recurrences and viral shedding, the need for a Cesarean section due to active lesions can be significantly lowered. Studies indicate that medications like valacyclovir (e.g., 500 mg twice daily) or acyclovir (e.g., 400 mg three times daily) are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, with no increased risk of major birth defects reported.
Preventing Transmission to the Baby
A significant concern for intended parents involves preventing herpes transmission to the newborn. The primary risk occurs during a vaginal birth if the birthing parent has active genital lesions or is shedding the virus. This risk is lower if the parent had herpes before pregnancy, as protective antibodies pass to the baby.
To mitigate this, a Cesarean section (C-section) is standard practice if active genital lesions or prodromal symptoms, like tingling or itching, are present at labor onset. While a C-section significantly reduces transmission risk, it does not entirely eliminate it. Neonatal herpes can lead to severe health issues for the baby, potentially affecting organs, including the brain, and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Navigating Surrogacy Agreements and Agencies
Beyond the medical considerations, the administrative and legal aspects of surrogacy also address a herpes diagnosis. Full and honest disclosure of a herpes diagnosis to surrogacy agencies and intended parents is important from the very beginning of the process. This transparency allows all parties to make informed decisions and ensures the surrogate receives appropriate medical care throughout the journey.
Surrogacy agencies handle such cases, often requiring detailed medical records and clear communication about the management plan. The legal surrogacy agreement outlines how medical conditions, including herpes, will be managed. This may include specific protocols for medication, monitoring, and decisions regarding delivery methods, such as a C-section, ensuring all parties are aligned. While herpes doesn’t automatically disqualify a surrogate, some intended parents might prefer a surrogate without the condition, potentially affecting the matching timeline.