Can You Donate Eggs if You Have Herpes?

Before you consider becoming an egg donor, it’s important to understand how having herpes can impact the process. Clinics typically screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and herpes can be a concern. If you’ve got herpes, you might worry it’ll rule you out as a donor. However, it’s not always a deal-breaker.

Key Takeaways:

• Women with herpes can donate eggs as long as they are not experiencing an active outbreak.
• Herpes is not transmittable through egg donation, so clinics will generally accept donors who have herpes.

Herpes and egg donation

Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which primarily causes oral herpes, and HSV-2, which primarily causes genital herpes. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an active outbreak or through asymptomatic shedding.

It is important to note that herpes cannot be transmitted through eggs. The virus is not present in the reproductive cells and, therefore, cannot be passed on to a recipient through egg donation.

If you have herpes or HPV, it is important to note that active outbreaks disqualify individuals from donating eggs. During an outbreak, the virus is active and can potentially be transmitted to the recipient. Therefore, it is crucial to wait until you are outbreak-free before proceeding with the egg donation process. This ensures the safety and health of both the donor and the recipient.

While active outbreaks are a disqualifying factor, many clinics are open to accepting egg donors who have herpes. Each clinic may have its own specific guidelines, so it is essential to check with the intended clinic beforehand.

Some clinics may require a certain period of time without outbreaks before considering an individual for egg donation. It is important to communicate openly with the clinic and disclose your herpes status during the screening process.

Frequently Asked Questions