Caring for Women and Men Of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure

This ASRM guideline provides updated preconception counseling and clinical protocols for reproductive healthcare providers treating non-pregnant patients with possible Zika virus exposure. It details testing paradigms, required wait times before attempting conception (e.g., 3 months for men, 8 weeks for women), and specific handling procedures for ART, gametes, and embryos to mitigate the risk of congenital Zika virus infection.

Attempting pregnancy via ART requires active medical intervention and discretionary timing. Consequently, intentional measures can be taken to minimize the risk of a Zika virus-infected pregnancy for individuals and couples undergoing ART who live in or travel to active Zika transmission areas.

This revised document updates the August 2018 guidance to reflect changes made by the CDC on its Blood and Tissue Safety webpage, clarifying epidemiological information about Zika infection risk outside the U.S. and adding the most recent information regarding transmission risk within the U.S.