Many prospective surrogates feel uncertain about how certain health conditions might affect their ability to help create families. Common conditions like herpes often raise questions and concerns, sometimes preventing qualified candidates from taking the first step. Yet the desire to make a difference in someone else’s life through surrogacy shows remarkable courage and compassion. Surrogacy agencies work closely with medical professionals to assess each candidate’s unique situation, focusing on current data, health, and ability to support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Initial health evaluations are a vital step in the surrogacy process, designed to promote positive outcomes while ensuring the wellbeing of both surrogates and intended parents. During this process, medical teams assess overall wellness alongside specific health considerations that might affect pregnancy. This process includes comprehensive health record reviews and necessary medical tests. The goal is to increase the likelihood of a healthy surrogate pregnancy based on a candidate’s past medical history.
Working with experienced fertility specialists and surrogacy professionals ensures supportive, comprehensive screening and care. Many common health conditions, including herpes, can be compatible with surrogacy when following proper medical protocols. Surrogacy professionals consider factors such as medication management, pregnancy history, family life, relationships, and overall stability. This comprehensive approach allows surrogacy teams to develop appropriate care plans while maintaining everyone’s safety and wellbeing throughout the journey.
Herpes is a common viral infection that exists in two main forms: HSV-1, which typically causes cold sores, and HSV-2, which usually affects the genital area. While nearly 50% of adults carry HSV-1 and about 12% have HSV-2, significant cultural and social stigma often hinders open discussion about this very manageable condition. Unlike many other sexually transmitted infections that can be cured with treatment, herpes remains in the body, but typically causes only occasional outbreaks that can become less frequent over time, especially when managed carefully with medication. The complexities surrounding the social impact and diagnosis of herpes often far outweigh its medical significance, particularly in the context of pregnancy and surrogacy.
During a surrogate pregnancy, medical providers focus on preventing transmission to the baby during delivery, which is very rare with proper management. Medical professionals, including fertility specialists, obstetricians, and midwives, have extensive experience helping pregnant women with herpes deliver healthy babies through well-established protocols and medications. These protocols typically include regular monitoring and, when needed, suppressive antiviral medications during pregnancy. Many women with herpes successfully carry pregnancies to term, delivering healthy babies through either vaginal birth or planned c-sections.1
For surrogates with herpes, medical teams develop comprehensive care plans that address both physical and emotional wellbeing. These plans include clear protocols for preventing and managing any potential outbreaks, particularly in the weeks leading up to delivery. Fertility specialists, obstetricians, and surrogacy professionals work together closely to ensure everyone understands and follows proper procedures throughout the journey. This coordinated approach helps create confidence and trust between surrogates and intended parents while maintaining focus on the shared goal of a healthy pregnancy.
Surrogacy professionals understand that discussing health history can feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to sensitive sexual health statuses like herpes. Experienced surrogacy agencies handle these conversations with care and sensitivity, ensuring that medical history and health requirements are addressed thoughtfully during the screening and matching process. Their expertise helps create an environment where prospective surrogates can discuss health considerations openly, knowing that each situation will be evaluated thoughtfully and professionally.
When supporting surrogates managing herpes, agencies take a proactive approach to medical screening with the IVF clinic and open communication. This begins with coordinating comprehensive medical evaluations and continues through developing detailed health management protocols. Gestational carriers rely on surrogacy agreements to outline expectations and responsibilities, ensuring clear communication throughout the surrogacy program. Agencies facilitate clear discussions between surrogates, their partners or spouses, intended parents, and healthcare providers about how specific health considerations will be addressed throughout the journey. This attention to medical planning helps establish trust and confidence among all parties from the very beginning.
Throughout the pregnancy, surrogacy professionals coordinate closely with healthcare providers to ensure proper monitoring and support. They help manage practical aspects like coordinating specialized care when needed, and ensuring all medical protocols are followed. This dedicated support allows surrogates to focus on maintaining their health while agencies guide the coordination among medical professionals, intended parents, and other IVF and medical specialists involved in the journey.
“We occasionally have potential surrogates reach out to us who have herpes and are therefore unsure what it means for a surrogacy journey. We understand why they might be worried about being approved for a surrogacy pregnancy, but are here to reassure those candidates that it is possible! There is social stigma and misinformation surrounding herpes. The reality is that one in six people are affected and becoming a surrogate with herpes, despite the social stigma, is possible. It is truly easy to do with support and a great medical team in place.” -Operations Manager Leigh Minarcik
Every surrogacy journey begins with thorough health screening to ensure safe, healthy pregnancies. While many prospective surrogates have questions about qualifying conditions, surrogacy agencies take an individualized approach to evaluating health histories. Medical professionals understand that each person’s situation is unique and work to develop appropriate care plans for managed health conditions. Common health considerations that surrogacy programs review include:
Health screening is about collaboration, not exclusion. Fertility specialists and surrogacy professionals work together to create personalized care plans, often finding that well-managed health conditions align with the goals of safe and healthy surrogate pregnancies.2
Additional Herpes & Sexual Health Resources:
Queer Health Pod Website & Spotify
https://www.queerhealthpod.com
https://open.spotify.com/show/5HrErI1XQmS4juJGt8Tu9c?si=2NAjIHeKStib70nVrzkT9g
The New Zealand Herpes Foundation
https://www.herpes.org.nz/
Making informed decisions about surrogacy starts with understanding how health conditions affect your journey. Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate or you’re an intended parent exploring your options, experienced surrogacy professionals can help answer your questions about health considerations and medical screening. Creative Family Connections specializes in guiding clients through every aspect of the surrogacy process with sensitivity and expertise, ensuring that all health matters are handled professionally and thoughtfully. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your surrogacy journey.