Men Exposed to Zika Should Delay Fatherhood for at Least 6 Months, CDC Says

Any man who had been potentially exposed to the Zika virus should delay attempts to conceive children for at least six months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday in a press release.

Previously, the CDC only recommended waiting eight weeks from last potential Zika exposure before trying for pregnancy. The new warning applies to all men who might have been exposed to the virus, not just those who have become symptomatic, because infected individuals frequently develop no symptoms at all.

"The updated recommendations incorporate what’s been learned since the previous guidance was released," the report says. The extended precaution will reduce the chances that the virus might be passed along and affect the fetus. Even if the virus does not cause symptoms in the man, he may still spread it to others.

The Zika virus can cause a birth abnormality known as microcephaly, which means that a baby's head is smaller than normal and the brain is typically underdeveloped.

According to NPR, the new guidelines reflect emerging evidence that the virus can remain present in a man's semen longer than had previously been thought.

Since Zika can be transmitted sexually, the CDC also now recommends that men should use condoms for at least six months after potentially being exposed to the virus to avoid the risk of passing the infection to their partners. However, the majority of Zika infections occur because of mosquito bites, not sexual activity.

Neither men nor women are advised to travel to regions where Zika is common if they are planning to become parents in the near future. If Zika is prevalent where you live, the CDC recommends discussing your situation with your doctor before trying for pregnancy.

Visit the CDC's website to determine where Zika infections are most common and if you should be taking extra precautions.

Photo credit: James Gathany via Wikimedia Commons