How to Have Safer, Baby-Making Sex
“I have herpes. My partner and I want to have a baby— how do we do it safely?”
Someone recently asked a version of this question in my Friday Q&A series, and I thought it would be best to provide a more comprehensive answer than IG allows.
Some people may largely forget their herpes status after being in a long-term relationship. You’re no longer faced with disclosure and the potential for rejection because of your herpes status, and you’re confident this person accepts you.
But the idea of having a baby can leave you feeling like you did when first diagnosed - fearful, ashamed, and alone.
Suddenly, you’re brought back to fears of transmission to not only your partner, but your potential offspring.
Today’s article broadly addresses herpes and pregnancy, including:
- the odds of neonatal herpes simplex
- the general fear and anxiety around the potential for transmission to your partner
- the fear and anxiety about transmitting herpes to your baby
- how to discuss and navigate these feelings with your partner
- how to evaluate which path to family is right for you
You can read my latest on my Substack, Sexual Health Wealth.