Care Fertility follows WHO and HFEA guidelines on Zika risks. Patients who’ve travelled to Zika-risk areas must wait or test before treatment or egg/sperm freezing. Learn about precautions, risks, and testing.
Care Fertility follows strict guidelines based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regarding Zika virus risks for patients undergoing fertility treatment or fertility preservation (egg and sperm freezing). These guidelines must be followed to ensure patient and baby safety.
There is no option to opt out of these precautions. The risks associated with Zika virus infection in pregnancy are serious, including congenital abnormalities such as microcephaly, and we are required to follow these safety protocols.
Travel precautions
- Women must wait 8 weeks after travel before trying to conceive, starting fertility treatment, or freezing eggs.
- Men must wait 3 months before attempting conception, undergoing fertility treatment, or freezing sperm.
- These waiting times apply regardless of symptoms—patients with no symptoms can still carry and transmit the virus.
Testing requirements
- If patients wish to start treatment or fertility preservation sooner, both partners must undergo Zika antibody (IgG and IgM) testing at least 28 days after returning to the UK.
- If the test results are negative, treatment or fertility preservation can proceed immediately.
Potential risks
- A negative test result significantly reduces the risk of transmission, but there is a small chance of false negatives.
- Patients should be aware that no test can completely rule out a viral infection.
Cost and timing
- Patients must cover the cost of Zika testing.
- Testing must be booked no earlier than 28 days after returning from a Zika-risk area to ensure accurate results.
Guidance for patients
Care Fertility follows the latest advice from WHO, HFEA, Public Health England (PHE), and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These precautions are in place to protect patients, their partners, and future children from the risks associated with Zika virus. Our team will explain the testing process, waiting period, and any potential risks to help patients make informed decisions.