How to Safely Get Pregnant with Herpes

Discovering that you have genital herpes can be distressing, especially when you’re thinking of starting a family or trying to conceive. You may have concerns about how to safely get pregnant with herpes or how to get rid of a herpes outbreak while pregnant.

The good news is that genital herpes doesn’t affect female fertility like other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and you can still get pregnant. However, having intercourse can cause herpes flare-ups and you also run the risk of spreading it to your partner. Read on, to learn what you can do to conceive safely with genital herpes.

How Do You Get Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is passed from one person to another via oral, anal, or vaginal sex [1]. Herpes is a contagious infection that is passed via skin-to-skin contact with the infected area, or by sharing objects that have come in contact with the infected area.

The blisters and sores associated with genital herpes do not need to be visible or open for the virus to be passed on to another person.

What’s the Difference Between HSV-1 and HSV-2?

The HSV virus is divided into HSV-1 and HSV-2 [2].

The HSV-1 virus is oral herpes, which manifests around the mouth as cold sores. It is more widespread than HSV-2 and is known to affect 70% of people in the UK. The HSV-1 virus is most commonly passed on by kissing, using the same utensils to eat, or sharing a toothbrush.

The HSV-2 virus is what causes genital herpes and affects approximately 23% of adults in the UK. It is most commonly passed on through unprotected penetrative sex. However, it can also spread from fingers to the genitals or by sharing sex toys with an infected partner.  

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Although symptoms of genital herpes can clear up fast, they can also return just as quickly. Known as herpes flare-ups or outbreaks, recurring symptoms are known to be triggered by sex, menstruation, stress, tiredness, and a low immune system due to another illness [1].

The first genital herpes infection can be quite painful and result in all-over body aches as well as fever and a sense of exhaustion. Flare-ups after the initial outbreak are generally less intense but result in obvious symptoms nonetheless.  

The most common symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Burning and itching around the genitals and anus
• Small blisters around the genitals, anus, and thighs
• When blisters burst, open sores can appear in the same areas
• Pain when urinating
• Unusual vaginal discharge

How to Get Pregnant Safely with Herpes?

Unlike other STIs, herpes does not impact female fertility, however, it can affect your plans to conceive given that healthcare practitioners recommend avoiding unprotected sex with herpes.

When trying to conceive, doctors will always advise against having unprotected sex during a herpes flare-up. For this reason, it’s recommended that women with herpes who are trying to get pregnant should take a daily antiviral medicine to avoid passing the virus to their partner.

Alternatively, if your male partner has herpes and you are thinking about starting a family, he should take antiviral medicine every day to avoid passing it on to you.  

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Studies have shown that taking daily antiviral medication can significantly reduce the probability of spreading the virus to a partner during intercourse, however, a small risk still exists [3].

How to Get Rid of Herpes Outbreak While Pregnant

Having a genital herpes outbreak during pregnancy is common in women who contracted it before pregnancy and during pregnancy. Based on this, antiviral medication to treat genital herpes has been proven to be safe during pregnancy.

Therefore doctors or OB/GYNs will usually prescribe it to treat herpes flare-ups [4].

Genital Herpes and Childbirth

When women have herpes before they get pregnant there is a very low chance that it will be passed on to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is because women already infected with genital herpes produce herpes antibodies that are passed onto their baby via the placenta.  

Women who contract genital herpes during pregnancy, however, will not have the pre-existing herpes antibodies that can be passed to the baby via the placenta. This means there is a higher risk of their baby contracting the virus and they are typically prescribed antiviral meds during pregnancy.

It was previously assumed that vaginal childbirth could infect a newborn and C-sections were preplanned to avoid the baby coming in contact with any open sores. However, new research from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology [4] suggests otherwise.

According to their research, all babies in the womb receive antibodies through the placenta in the last months of pregnancy against every infection their mother contracted, including herpes antibodies. These antibodies were found to protect newborns during childbirth and after birth, and for longer if the mother breastfeeds [5].

How Do I Take Clomid to Get Pregnant?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a fertility medication commonly used to help women conceive. It is often prescribed to help females with fertility issues caused by STIs, reproductive conditions, and irregular menstrual cycles.

If you're considering using Clomid to get pregnant, it's important to consult with your OB/GYN or fertility specialist to determine if Clomid is right for you. How to take Clomid to get pregnant will depend on their findings and instructions.  

A course of 50 mg daily for 5 days is typically prescribed and your doctor will recommend if you should start on day 3, 4, or 5 of your menstrual cycle. Your response to the medication will be checked with follow-up blood tests and ultrasounds, and you will be encouraged to have intercourse during your fertile window (3-4 days around ovulation).

Your OB/GYN or fertility specialist will also schedule an appointment after your menstrual cycle to check if Clomid was beneficial and to discuss the next steps.

If you notice any hot flashes, severe mood swings or abdominal discomfort while taking Clomid, notify your doctor immediately.

The Bottom Line

When considering how to safely get pregnant with herpes, it’s common for concerns to arise when you’re trying to get pregnant with genital herpes. Although the symptoms of this contagious virus are known to subside quickly, a genital herpes outbreak can be triggered by intercourse. And the fear of passing it on to your partner or your baby is very real.

However, research has confirmed that it’s safe to take antiviral medication when trying to conceive and this will prevent spreading herpes to your partner. Antiviral medication is also safe to take while pregnant, and the herpes antibodies that pass through the placenta in the last weeks of pregnancy will protect your baby while passing through the vaginal canal during childbirth.

References 

1. NHS - Genital Herpes - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/
2. Your Sexual Health - How Common is Herpes in The UK? - https://yoursexualhealth.co.uk/blog/how-common-is-herpes-in-the-uk/
3. National Library of Medicine - Reducing the transmission of genital herpes - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC544977/
4. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Genital Herpes in Pregnancy - https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/genital-herpes-in-pregnancy/
5. Herpes Virus Association UK - Genital herpes, pregnancy and childbirth - https://herpes.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions/genital-herpes-pregnancy-childbirth/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get pregnant naturally if I have genital herpes?

Yes, having genital herpes does not affect your fertility or your ability to conceive naturally. Unlike some other sexually transmitted infections, herpes does not damage your reproductive organs or reduce your chances of getting pregnant. The main considerations are managing outbreaks and protecting your partner during conception.

Will the NHS help me get pregnant if I have herpes?

Having genital herpes will not prevent you from accessing NHS fertility services if you need them. If you've been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you're over 35), you can still be referred for fertility investigations through your GP. Your herpes status will be noted in your medical records to help healthcare providers support you appropriately during pregnancy.

Is it safe to have sex when trying to conceive with herpes?

It's generally advisable to avoid intercourse during an active herpes outbreak when trying to conceive, as this is when the virus is most contagious. Many couples choose to time conception attempts during symptom-free periods and may use antiviral medication to reduce transmission risk. Speak with your GP or sexual health clinic about suppressive therapy options if you're concerned about passing herpes to your partner.

Do I need to tell my midwife I have genital herpes?

Yes, it's important to inform your midwife and any healthcare professionals involved in your antenatal care that you have genital herpes. According to NHS guidelines, this information helps your care team plan for a safe delivery, particularly if you experience an outbreak close to your due date. Being open about your diagnosis ensures you receive the best possible care throughout your pregnancy.

Can herpes cause miscarriage or harm my baby?

Genital herpes rarely causes problems during pregnancy if you contracted the virus before becoming pregnant, as your body will have developed antibodies that help protect your baby. The greatest risk occurs if you catch herpes for the first time during the third trimester, which is why the NHS recommends avoiding new sexual partners or unprotected sex during late pregnancy. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely and may recommend antiviral treatment if needed.

Will I need a caesarean section if I have herpes?

A caesarean section is usually only recommended if you have an active genital herpes outbreak when you go into labour, as this reduces the risk of passing the virus to your baby during delivery. If you have no symptoms at the time of birth, a vaginal delivery is generally considered safe. NICE guidelines suggest that women with recurrent herpes may be offered antiviral medication from 36 weeks to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak at delivery.

Where can I get support for trying to conceive with herpes in the UK?

Your GP or local sexual health clinic (GUM clinic) can provide advice on managing herpes while trying to conceive and may refer you to a specialist if needed. Organisations such as the Herpes Viruses Association offer UK-specific support and information for people living with herpes. Remember, genital herpes is very common, and with proper management, most people go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.