Herpes somehow affects when planning pregnancy. Preparation and planning of pregnancy with herpetic infection. Antiviral therapy when planning conception

When planning a pregnancy, a woman must take into account many factors, especially those related to her well-being and health. Sometimes seemingly minor problems play a big role in pregnancy. Common ailments that you should definitely pay attention to include herpes. Being an infectious disease, it significantly affects the health of the expectant mother. Next, we will consider the question of how to get pregnant with herpes, as well as how to deal with the problem.

Definition of pathology

Herpes can be of several types, the most dangerous of which can cause diseases such as chickenpox and shingles. The primary virus leads to skin diseases, and the second type characterizes genital ailment. Herpes is divided into primary and recurrent. The first is characterized by “primary” penetration into the body, the second, in turn, by repeated penetration of the infection. It is interesting that, having become infected with this disease once, a person will automatically become a carrier of the disease.

Herpes is activated after significant changes in the body's protective function. Mostly, this occurs after colds, acute respiratory viral infections, and infectious reactions. Activation during the disease in question is also justified due to the child’s decreased maternal immunity.

Anyone can become infected with an unpleasant disease. The ways the virus spreads can be:

contact, sexual, airborne - which refers to the type 1 virus;
sexual – only genital herpes;
after contact with a person infected with smallpox or lichen.

In each case, the source of infection is the person himself.

How to determine pathology in a pregnant woman?

Regardless of whether a person is pregnant or not, a man or a woman, the disease will manifest itself in the same way. The disease during pregnancy can also be recurrent and primary.

During primary infection, a woman feels all the symptoms of intoxication, which, moreover, is accompanied by weakness, fatigue, and a clear decrease in activity. The temperature often rises to 39 degrees. Sometimes you may feel aches and headaches. The first type of virus will manifest itself as a rash accompanied by burning, itching, and tingling. After a while, spots and blisters with liquid appear on the affected area. After the bursting bubbles are covered with a crust, which lags behind on its own, leaving no marks or scars. The second type of virus will have the same symptoms, but in the genital area.
A recurrent disease does not have symptoms of intoxication. A woman can be in a good mood for a long time, periodically detecting local changes.

Herpes of the lips accompanies pregnancy quite often, however, without appropriate treatment started on time, the virus can negatively affect the fetus. The virus in no way prevents a girl from becoming pregnant, but it should be remembered that the mother must take on the risk of infecting the child. So, with the recurrent type, it is almost impossible to damage the fetus; this occurs only in 5 percent out of a hundred. The same cannot be said about primary infection - in this case, the child is adversely affected in almost 95 percent.

What is the main danger of the disease?

It is believed that the presence of the disease in the early stages is not as dangerous as its appearance in the second trimester. The damage the virus causes can be extremely serious. Sometimes herpes that penetrates the placenta leads to spontaneous abortion. Primary infection already in the 3rd trimester can cause fetal deformities, damage to the baby’s brain and, worst of all, lead to death.

The recurrent form of the disease minimizes the risks of damage to the fetus due to the fact that the mother’s blood is filled with specific antibodies that protect the child. In addition to the fact that the virus can infect a baby in utero, infection can also occur during childbirth, which is especially true for the genital form of the disease. Infection with genital herpes leads to the development of skin problems, mucous membranes or damage to the genitals in the child.

What is the treatment during pregnancy?

To treat herpes, pregnant women and other people can use only one medication - Acyclovir. The release form of the drug can be an ointment or drugs taken orally (you can read about the variety of medications in Yandex). The severe stage is treated with intravenous Acyclovir.

If infected with a genital virus, a woman can give birth using a cesarean section, so as not to infect the baby. This option is suitable for pregnant women who have become infected with herpes from a partner, as well as for those who have seen its manifestations before giving birth. For women planning a pregnancy, it is better to undergo a special vaccination in order to prevent possible damage to the body. The vaccine is given some time before pregnancy.

Herpes and future pregnancy

Genital herpes during pregnancy (risk prevention, treatment)

Pregnancy and herpes

About the dangers of genital herpes

Unfortunately, primary infection with genital herpes sometimes leads to the fact that a child is born with affected internal organs or is not born at all. But treatment with Acyclovir turns out to be useless, therefore during pregnancy you need to be extremely careful about your health.

Determining genital herpes is often very difficult, because it can occur absolutely without symptoms, or it can have manifestations similar to other diseases. Due to the difficulty of identification, a woman should not “turn a blind eye” to redness, cracks that appear on the labia, or the slightest irritation of the genitals. Sometimes it is this symptom that indicates infection with the herpes virus.

Another way to determine herpes occurs during pregnancy, when the body undergoes a complete restructuring in order to protect the child, reducing the mother’s immunity. During this period, a woman may begin to notice fairly visible color rashes that will be located on the genitals, and will be accompanied by itching, burning, blisters and crusts. You can find out what type of disease has affected your body using a special blood test from a vein, which determines the presence of antibodies to HSV-1.2. If the blood is “saturated” with class G immunoglobulin, then there is no need to be afraid: in most cases, it is impossible to damage the fetus. In all other cases, tests only confirm infection with a genital virus.

Preventive measures

It is impossible to fight genital herpes during pregnancy using specific methods. Doctors only recommend following simple advice.

To prevent genital herpes, you need to give up a polygamous lifestyle.
It is mandatory to use a condom during pregnancy.
If the father is infected with genital herpes, the woman must stop all sexual relations until childbirth. It is also best to use a condom and take Valacyclovir every day until the baby is born. According to doctors, this helps reduce the risk of infection by up to 75 percent.
It is necessary to refrain from oral sex due to the risk of infection with herpes on the lips. Any primary infection will be dangerous for you and the unborn child due to weakened immunity.
When planning a pregnancy, you need to seriously take care of your health, completely eliminating the consumption of junk food. It is important to get rid of bad habits, identify and cure chronic diseases, undergo general strengthening treatment measures, and treat any chronic infections.

Treatment of the genital virus is carried out using the previously described Acyclovir and Valtrex. The disadvantage of the drugs is that they often do not cure the fetus from infection. However, even on this issue, expert opinions differ, since the direct United States Center for Disease Control has proven that the use of Zovirax and Valtrex was particularly effective in preventing infection and negative effects on the fetus.

If it was not possible to save the fetus from the genital virus, then do not forget that all subsequent pregnancies will no longer be at risk due to the antibodies produced in the woman’s body, which guard the safety of future babies.

Thus, every girl can become pregnant if her body is affected by herpes, but the consequences of this can be incredibly severe. Remember that the health of the unborn fetus depends on the life and habits of the mother. The sooner you take care of identifying and preventing the virus, the easier your pregnancy will be.

The significance of the herpes virus as a modern factor in infertility is widely discussed both in the medical community and on forums. This is due to several reasons.

The main ones are the high incidence of infertility in couples with herpes virus infection, as well as the development of defects in the fetus and serious diseases in children whose parents are infected with herpes. HSV ( herpes simplex virus)-2 is found in 50% of pregnant women. Pregnancy itself can cause an increase in antibody titers to HSV, and activation of HSV poses a greater danger to pregnant women than CMV ( cytomegalovirus). Recently, the problem of asymptomatic CHI has attracted increasing attention from specialists. (chronic herpetic infection) in which antibodies to HSV 1 and HSV 2 are detected, but virus isolation does not occur. This is the so-called virus carriage. Deterioration of immune processes leads to activation of the virus.

It must be remembered that the presence of GI ( herpetic infection) and increased levels of the virus in the body (high antibody titers) even without clinical manifestations of the disease - this is evidence of immunodeficiency.

Herpes = infertility?

According to WHO, up to 12% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility. In some regions of the Russian Federation - up to 20%, a level that is characterized as critical.
“New” pathogens resistant to antibiotics have come to the fore—viruses and the incidence of diseases are only growing. Particular attention is paid to 3 representatives of the herpsvirus family: HSV 1, HSV 2 and CMV ( cytomegalovirus).
Infection of men with HSV 2 reaches 49%. After spontaneous abortions (miscarriages), HSV is detected in 59% of cases, while the percentage of infected mothers is 20% (Kulgas, G, 1991), i.e. The male factor contributes to spontaneous abortion.
In women, HSV 1 is detected in 30% of cases, and HSV 2 in 46%. Genital herpes - according to WHO, ranks 3rd among STIs (and sexually transmitted infections), second in frequency only to gonorrhea and non-gonococcal urethritis.

Conclusion:

inflammatory changes in the reproductive organs of women with infertility are mainly a consequence of CHI (chronic herpesvirus infections). Herpes viruses and the factors they produce cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, destruction of the epithelium of the reproductive organs and suppression of the humoral immune system - all this leads to impaired fertility and infertility. In the Russian Federation we are talking about millions of patients.

Currently, according to epidemiological studies, up to 90% of the population is infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Fortunately, despite this, the overall increase in fertility on the planet is still positive.

Herpes and infertility in men

Herpes and infertility in men, according to modern research methods, have a high correlation.
A detailed study of men with HSV showed that sperm infection leads to a 2-fold decrease in the number of sperm and a decrease in their activity.

Herpes when planning pregnancy

At the stage of pregnancy planning, examination is recommended. If an active infection is detected, treatment is necessary during remission. Considering the serious damaging effect of HSV on the fetus, every expectant mother should think now about how to protect her child.

Getting pregnant with herpes - pros and cons

Is herpes dangerous during pregnancy? - probably one of the most common questions asked by women when visiting a doctor. Of course, the presence of HSV infection requires more careful examination and monitoring of such patients.
With GG (), damage to the placenta and fetus can occur at any stage of pregnancy and lead to malformations, immunodeficiency states and fetal death, miscarriages, premature birth due to severe changes in all three membranes of the placenta and umbilical cord vessels. Intrauterine HI is an uncontrollable cause of perinatal mortality, morbidity and early childhood disability.

The importance of the problem is due to the fact that HSV, unlike other infectious diseases, has a destructive effect on the tissues and organs of the fetus.
A study before IVF in women with HSV showed a more than 2-fold decrease in the ability of the embryo to implantation compared to healthy women.

Asymptomatic herpes

Asymptomatic herpes is not at all uncommon. The absence of visible manifestations of genital herpes does not guarantee the absence of the infection itself. Inflammation of the vagina, cervical canal, endometrium, and uterine appendages does not exclude HS. Not so long ago, it was believed that only clinically pronounced forms of HS pose a serious threat to the health of a modern woman and her child. The absence of clinical manifestations of HSV infection in a pregnant infected woman does not prevent transmission of the virus in the perinatal period to the child. This statement is supported by data that in 60-80% of cases, children with neonatal herpes are born to mothers with atypical or asymptomatic forms of HSV infections (Bursrein D.N. 2003).

In asymptomatic cases, the herpes virus can be determined by cultural and immunohistochemical methods, which means timely action can be taken.

Culture method (growing the virus in cell culture)
PCR – diagnostics for the presence of viral DNA in the ejaculate and its fractions
Spermogram (determines the number of sperm, their motility, the number of normal sperm)
Study of the population of immature germ cells in the ejaculate

In fertile men, active HSV is detected in 6-10% of cases using the culture method and up to 47% when using PCR diagnostics, i.e. PCR is a more informative technique.

How does herpes affect pregnancy?

Herpes in early pregnancy is quite difficult to study. The presence of a large number of HSV in a woman’s body indicates a decrease in immune defense. As you know, our immunity is provided by healthy normal flora, i.e. Immunodeficiency occurs only in the case of dysbacteriosis.
A mandatory test for pregnant women with HSV infection is the determination of immunoglobulins M and G (included in the mandatory pregnancy management program). With high titers of immunoglobulin M (indicating infection or exacerbation of infection), treatment is required, and pregnancy is not recommended.

Recurrence of herpes during pregnancy

If an exacerbation of herpes occurs during pregnancy, the doctor’s tactics depend on the severity of the exacerbation. Maternal immunoglobulin G protects both mother and baby in most cases.
Recurrence of herpes during pregnancy in the first trimester often ends with its interruption or the development of serious defects and deformities in the fetus.
Recurrence of herpes during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters can lead to the development of infection of the skin and internal organs.

Treatment and prevention of herpes

Drug treatment comes down to 3 stages:

suppressing an outbreak or relapse of the disease with the help of antiviral (chemo) drugs, interferons;
restoration of the body's defenses - immunity with the help of general strengthening agents, probiotics, vitamins, interferons;
vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine "Vitagerpavak".

It is necessary to get vaccinated BEFORE pregnancy. You can no longer get vaccinated during pregnancy!

How to treat herpes?

Effective antiviral chemotherapy drugs for herpes are drugs such as acyclovir, as well as its more effective second-generation derivatives: valciclovir, valtrex, famciclovir, penciclovir. These drugs have a comparable mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness, they help to quickly and effectively reduce the severity of symptoms, subjective sensations, and the duration of relapse, but they cannot cure the infection (completely remove the virus from the body).

Acyclovir and its analogues act only on the active herpes virus, but do not affect viruses that are in a latent state. A common disadvantage of acyclovir-containing drugs is the inability to prevent relapses of the disease and infection with a related type of virus and a negative effect on the immune system. Further suppression of the immune system leads to the emergence of virus strains resistant to these drugs.

Antiviral chemotherapy drugs are used occasionally in a short course (5-10 days) for primary herpes or for relapses of herpes.

For herpes, it is possible to use antiviral agents topically. This helps lead to a significant reduction in the time of appearance and regression of rashes due to the high bioavailability of active substances at the site of the lesion. Acyclovir (ointment, cream) and the new drug Penciclovir (1% cream Fenistil® Pencivir) have proven themselves well. The effectiveness of Fenistil® Pentsivir is 20–30% higher than acyclovir-based cream. Fenistil® Pencivir cream can be used in patients over 12 years of age. If there is resistance to acyclovir-containing drugs, antiviral drugs with a different mechanism of action (foscarnet, isoprinosine, panavir, aloferon, etc.) are used.

During pregnancy, for the purpose of treatment and prevention of recurrence of genital herpes and infection of the fetus, herpes medications in tablets (Acyclovir, tablets) are prescribed starting from the second trimester of pregnancy in consultation with a doctor.

The presence of side effects from the use of chemotherapy drugs contributed to the introduction of modern, effective and harmless drugs - interferon drugs - into the treatment of herpes. The need to prescribe interferon drugs (giaferon, etc.) is explained by their ability to suppress the multiplication of the virus in the human body. The effectiveness of Giaferon is 30% higher than the effectiveness of other drugs in this group, because also contains hyaluronic acid, an independent immunomodulator. Their use as antiviral agents and immunomodulators, stopping relapses of the disease and correcting immunity, allows them to be effectively used in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers, and to prevent intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Is it necessary to talk about the importance of treatment aimed at strengthening defenses and preventing relapse of herpes?
In cases of moderate and severe forms of the disease (relapse once every 3 months or more), to increase the effectiveness of treatment, treatment regimens, along with antiviral drugs, include immunocorrective drugs: immunomodulators, interferons, vitamins, restoratives, immunoglobulins and probiotics. It should be noted that immunotherapy leads to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity, allows you to shorten the duration of treatment, reduce the toxic effect of chemotherapy drugs on the body, prevent the formation of resistance to them and lead to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment of herpes virus infection, a group of virologists and infectious disease specialists led by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. V.A. Isakov* developed a step-by-step, comprehensive method for treating and preventing recurrence of the disease using the drugs described above:

Stage 1 of treatment– relief of the acute period of the disease (chemotherapy, interferons),
Stage 2– restorative therapy, immunocorrection,
Stage 3– specific immunoprophylaxis – vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak,
Stage 4– dispensary observation.

Chemotherapy drugs and interferons only suppress the virus in its active stage, but the vaccine treats, normalizing immune defense, and therefore belongs to the group of therapeutic vaccines.

It should be noted that special attention is given to restoring the body’s immunological reactivity with the help of medication and anti-relapse treatment using general tonic agents, vitamins, interferons, probiotics, and immunoglobulins. Immunoprophylaxis at the final stage of treatment with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak allows you to restore specific antiviral immunity, i.e. achieve suppression of the virus and normalization of immunity, leading to long-term (many years) remissions. This technique was called the “Russian method of treatment” in the West.

It is important to remember and consider that:

Herpetic infections are a consequence of impaired immunity.
In mild forms of the disease (exacerbation no more than once every 3 months), there is slight immunosuppression. Therefore, vaccination can be carried out immediately, without restorative treatment (7-10 days after healing of herpetic eruptions with an interval of 7-10 days, in the amount of 5 injections).
In moderate and severe forms of the disease (recurrence once every 3 months or more often), it is necessary to eliminate severe immunosuppression by prescribing general tonic drugs, vitamins, immunomodulators, probiotics, and only then begin vaccination (10 days after healing of the rash with an interval of 10 days in the amount of 5 injections). It is necessary to carry out 4 courses of vaccination with an interval of 3 months under the cover of Giaferon (1 suppository 2 times a day rectally - 5 days).

The effectiveness of treatment is more than 86%, which is confirmed by the results of its use for 12 years and numerous studies of effectiveness conducted by leading scientists and clinicians of the Russian Federation in various fields.

The Vitagerpavak vaccine is used during the period of remission of the disease. The purpose of vaccination is to activate cellular immunity, i.e. its immunocorrection.

Dynamics of clinical parameters in patients with recurrent herpes during vaccine therapy

In the above-mentioned studies, it was also shown that vaccination was accompanied by a 3-4 times increase in specific reactions of T-cell immunity, against the background of a constant level of B-cell immunity reactions. The study of T-cell immunity reactions showed an increase in the specific T-killer activity of lymphocytes and the activity of NK cells. Vaccination contributed to the cessation of viremia both after the end of vaccination and in long-term follow-up (after 6 months).

Vaccination using Vitagerpavak led to a pronounced immunocorrective effect, reducing immune disorders from grades 3 and 2 to grade 1. After 6 months after vaccination, immune disorders corresponded to the 1st degree.

The above results of long-term studies of the Vitagerpavak vaccine indicate the reliable effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing relapses of herpes infections against the background of activation of cellular immunity reactions and specific desensitization.

How to treat herpes using the Vitagerpavac vaccine?

The basic vaccination regimen using the Vitagerpavac vaccine: 0.2 ml of the vaccine is injected intradermally into the flexor surface of the forearm. The vaccination cycle consists of 5 injections, which are carried out at intervals of 7-10 days. For a lasting preventive effect, repeated courses of vaccination are necessary. In case of herpetic rashes, the intervals between injections should be increased to 14 days. After 6 months, revaccination is carried out (5 injections). In severe forms of the disease, revaccination is carried out after three months, 4 courses over 1.5 - 2 years.

Vaccine for the prevention of chronic herpes virus infection.
1 package - full course of treatment.
Vaccination course: 5 injections, given at intervals of 7-10 days
Store at a temperature of 2-8 ºС. The drug can be transported at a temperature of 9-18 ºС, but not more than 3 days.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent relapses of genital herpes in people with weakened immune systems, along with drug treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to strengthening the body's defenses. Particular attention should also be paid to the prevention of factors that contribute to decreased immunity and exacerbation of herpes infection.

Briefly about the Vitagerpavac vaccine:

Compound:
— The drug is a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intradermal administration
— Contains specific inactivated antigens of herpes simplex virus types I and II, grown on a continuous cell line VERO, acceptable by WHO as a substrate for the production of vaccines

Indications:

Patients with CGI are subject to vaccination.
Preparing women with a history of recurrent chronic herpetic infection for pregnancy.
HIV-infected patients in stages 1-2 of the disease.

Contraindications to the use of the vaccine:

Active stage of herpes
Acute infectious and non-infectious diseases
Chronic diseases in the stage of exacerbation or decompensation
Malignant neoplasms
Pregnancy
Presence of active AIDS symptoms

Vaccination against herpes is carried out in institutions under the supervision of a doctor

The vaccine is administered in the remission stage 7-10 days after the disappearance of clinical manifestations
The vaccination course consists of 5 injections with an interval of 7-10 days
Revaccination - after 6 months
For complicated herpes, the 2nd and subsequent injections are administered at intervals of 10-14 days - 5 injections. Such patients are recommended to undergo 4 courses of vaccination over 1.5 - 2 years.

Detailed information about the Vitagerpavak vaccine and its use can be obtained from the Methodological recommendations MZ3.3.1.0002-10 “Immunization with the Vitagerpavak vaccine (herpetic culture inactivated dry) for the prevention of relapses of infection caused by herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2”, approved by the Head of the Federal service for supervision in the field of consumer rights protection and human well-being by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation G.G. Onishchenko. **** These recommendations came into force in 2010.

Vaccination is the most effective remedy for frequent exacerbations of herpes infection.
Vaccination is necessary before planning pregnancy.
Its main task is to form a normal immune response and prevent exacerbation of herpes virus infection during pregnancy.

If conception occurs during a relapse of herpes, women are justifiably worried about the health of their unborn child. The disease itself is not always accompanied by malaise. In many cases, it causes only minor discomfort to the patient. Many people ignore the symptoms of herpes virus infection and lead a normal lifestyle without thinking about the consequences. When it becomes known that pregnancy has occurred, women remember the illness. Viral infections are especially dangerous for the developing fetus. They can cause serious disruptions in its development or death.

Characteristic features of herpes virus infection

The causative agent of herpes virus infection is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 main types of HSV: types 1 and 2. Each of them has its own varieties of strains, differing in the degree of aggressiveness and resistance to drugs. HSV type 1 strains more often cause foci of infection in the hands. Type 2 viruses are usually the cause of genital herpes.

Most people become infected with HSV type 1 at an early age through airborne transmission. The method of transmission of genital herpes is sexual contact, including oral-genital contact. Peak infection with HSV type 2 occurs between the ages of 20 and 29 years. In patients who are immune to HSV type 1, infection with HSV type 2 does not cause pronounced symptoms.

Infected people are lifelong carriers of HSV. Every second infected person is diagnosed with a recurrent form of the disease. Exacerbation of herpes virus infection can be provoked by:

hypothermia;
stress;
prolonged exposure to the sun;
injury;
drinking alcohol;
hormonal fluctuations;
frequent change of sexual partner.

If a woman has a strong immune system, relapse of the disease manifests itself only in the form of herpetic rashes. With an exacerbation of herpes virus infection caused by HSV type 1, lesions most often appear on the mucous membrane of the lips, eyes and nose. With genital herpes, the rash is found on the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, in addition, in the perineum and on the skin of the thighs.

The rash is accompanied by itching, pain and burning. With a weakened immune system, an exacerbation causes weakness and enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. Body temperature can rise to 38°C and above.

There are also atypical forms of herpes virus infection, which are not accompanied by characteristic symptoms and are difficult to diagnose.

What is the danger of herpes virus infection during pregnancy?

The most dangerous is primary infection of a pregnant woman. In the first 6 weeks after conception, the embryo is especially vulnerable to the effects of any negative factors. If a woman was infected with genital herpes during the period when fertilization occurred, the risk of fetal death is 34%. If the embryo survives, it is likely to have severe malformations. HSV affects the child's liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, adrenal glands, pancreas, retina, or brain.

By the time of conception, many women already have developed immunity to HSV. Recurrent labial (on the face) and genital herpes is not an indication for termination of pregnancy. Antibodies present in the blood of a pregnant woman weaken pathogens and prevent them from harming the mother and embryo.

The probability of developing severe pathologies and fetal death does not exceed 4%. If a woman immediately consults a doctor after discovering pregnancy and reports a relapse, the probability of a negative development of events will be only one percent. Timely treatment helps to minimize the impact of herpes virus infection on the fetus.

Recurrences of genital herpes are dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy. The risk of infection of a child during passage through the birth canal reaches 90%. Since exacerbations of herpesvirus infection often occur asymptomatically, 4 weeks before giving birth, a pregnant woman undergoes a smear test from the cervical canal. Most often, in women, HSV is found in the canal. If HSV antigens were detected in the collected material twice in a month, the pregnant woman is prohibited from giving birth naturally. In such cases, a caesarean section is performed.

How does HSV affect the ability to get pregnant?

Herpes and conception are closely related. The genital form is especially dangerous. A characteristic feature of genital herpes in women is multifocality. The pathological process often involves the lower urethra, uterus and ovaries.

Lesions on these organs can occur simultaneously with the appearance of rashes on the external genitalia or separately. Therefore, the infectious process sometimes occurs unnoticed by a woman. It can cause chronic conditions that prevent conception. Recurrent herpes labialis has little effect on the ability to become pregnant.

HSV often becomes the reason for the lack of a positive result after repeated attempts to become pregnant artificially. In the course of the research, it was found that the majority of married couples planning in vitro fertilization (IVF) were not aware of the presence of a recurrent herpes virus infection.

The presence of a herpes virus infection in a woman reduces by 50% the chance of becoming pregnant through artificial insemination. The recurrent form of the disease does not reduce fertility as much (5%).

The effect of herpes on conception depends on the severity of the disease and the frequency of its relapses.

If signs of infection are detected, conception should be postponed. In order for a woman to successfully become pregnant and carry a child to term, she must cure herpesvirus infection. Her husband also needs treatment.

How is the presence of herpes virus infection determined?

The most reliable method for determining herpes virus infection is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA):

It allows you to detect protective antibodies to the virus in the blood, belonging to 3 different Ig classes: G, A and M.
With its help, it is possible to identify the active stage of herpesvirus disease before the first symptoms appear.
ELISA is used to diagnose asymptomatic forms of the disease.

IgM antibodies can be detected 5 days after the onset of the disease. Their concentration reaches a peak during an exacerbation of genital and labial herpes, and then gradually decreases over several months. If IgM antibodies were not detected in the blood, this does not mean that there is no active infectious process in the body.

IgA antibodies are formed in the blood serum 10–14 days after the onset of the disease. They can even be found in seminal and vaginal fluid. An increase in IgA concentration indicates the activity of the infectious process.

After effective treatment, the amount of IgA decreases. If the IgA level remains high after treatment, it signals the presence of a chronic form of herpes virus infection.

People who have been infected with HSV are constantly present in their blood. Their detection is not a sign of the development of pathology. A dangerous symptom is an increase in IgG levels. The amount of IgG antibodies increases with repeated exposure to the antigen. Indicative is the detection of 2 types of Ig at the same time: A and G. In this case, a repeat analysis is done 1-2 weeks after the first. It will allow you to determine the dynamics of the process. If the number of antibodies is greater, the process will be activated.

The ELISA method also helps to determine the amount (titer) of immunoglobulins in the blood and assess the state of antiviral immunity. High rates indicate an exacerbation. In such cases, treatment is no longer required.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method allows you to detect viral DNA in the cells of the mucous membrane. If the analysis is positive, it will indicate the activity of the process.

Preparing for conception

To prevent herpes from causing undesirable consequences during conception, it is necessary to determine its activity in the body.

1–2 months before expected ovulation, it is necessary to do a blood test for the presence of antibodies. If a high IgM level is detected, pregnancy should not be planned. Conception is allowed only if these antibodies are not detected in the blood. The presence of IgG antibodies is not an obstacle to pregnancy.

The ELISA method allows you to determine the likelihood of relapses during pregnancy. A very high concentration of IgG, several times higher than normal, indicates a high risk of developing exacerbations. In this case, before planning a pregnancy, you should consult an infectious disease doctor.

Carriers of a viral infection do not realize this until the incubation period is over. This is the period after which the pathogen begins to manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. The herpes virus is one of the most common. When planning a child, it is important to understand how herpes will affect conception and what needs to be done to prevent the virus from interfering with pregnancy.

Forms of the virus and their manifestations

The forms of the pathogen are distinguished according to its localization on the body and the classification of viruses. According to the localization of the rash, it can be oral, genital, ophthalmic, or shingles.

The following forms of herpes virus infection are known in medicine:

Type 1 – a simple form that causes blisters on the lips;
2nd – causes rashes on the genitals;
3rd – the causative agent of chickenpox, herpes zoster;
4th – Epstein-Barr virus, provokes infectious mononucleosis;
5th – cytomegalovirus.

The most common virus in gynecological practice is herpes simplex virus type 1. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

the appearance of a painful vesicle on the lips;
elevated temperature;
soreness, burning, dry skin at the site of the lesion;
general malaise.

Genital pathology is also quite common and is the cause of chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. The first and second types are recurrent - when immunity decreases or stress on the body, they worsen.

List of symptoms of genital herpes:

the appearance of multiple small blisters near the anus, on the inner thigh, labia or head of the penis;
redness, itching of the skin at the site of the rash, the formation of bleeding erosions after they mature;
discomfort when urinating if a rash appears in the urethra;
enlarged lymph nodes in the groin;
myalgia, increased body temperature.

The advanced genital form of the disease is accompanied in women by a rash on the cervical canal and mucous walls of the vagina.

The body is susceptible to the Epstein-Barr virus, so many are infected, but acute stages develop only with weakened immunity. The pathology is accompanied by damage to the lymph nodes of the neck, tonsillitis, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and general intoxication.

Cytomegalovirus infection is also widespread and is a typical intrauterine infection, therefore it is extremely dangerous for the unborn child. It has different variants of manifestation, but the acute form is only in cases of severe immune deficiency. It affects internal organs and causes severe inflammation.

Diagnostic methods

Be sure to include methods for diagnosing herpes viruses. It is better to reduce the activity of the pathogen before conception if it is not possible to suppress its effect on the body completely. To determine the presence and activity of the pathogen, the following herpes tests are prescribed:

general clinical blood test - helps to determine the inflammatory process in the body and assess its condition as a whole;
PCR is a polymerase chain reaction that allows you to determine DNA in blood, saliva, scrapings, and blisters on the skin;
ELISA method is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that determines immunity antibodies to the herpes virus.

But antibodies can be contained in the blood even of those whose virus activity has been suppressed for a long time, therefore, when preparing for pregnancy, one test will not be enough.

Does herpes affect conception and pregnancy?

If the disease actively recurs and weakens the immunity of a woman or man, herpes and conceiving a child are incompatible. In the case of a chronic form of a simple type of pathogen, full conception and gestation are quite possible. You just need to achieve remission and only then cancel contraception.

An exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection or Epstein-Barr infection will have a sharply negative impact on conceiving a child. Conception during an exacerbation is dangerous due to the development of the following consequences:

in the 1st trimester, type 1 virus is dangerous for miscarriage, this risk will increase again in the later stages of pregnancy;
with intrauterine infection, the child receives a latent form of the disease;
atypical types of disease provoke the birth of sick children with an increased mortality rate;
with the primary form, the risk of infection of the child is up to 50%, with relapses – up to 7%.

The first appearance of herpes during pregnancy is the primary form. It is dangerous for the child due to heart defects, developmental delays, damage to the nervous system, blindness, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus. If conception occurs directly during an exacerbation, there is a risk of miscarriage or the birth of a sick child.

Among women

Exacerbation of genital herpes and conception are incompatible. The child may be infected, which means he is at high risk of being born with defects and prematurity.

In the female body, herpes affects pregnancy more strongly than in the male - immunity should be aimed at supporting the mother and preserving the fetus. But the body has to fight the pathogen.

Herpes also has a negative effect on conception in its chronic form. During pregnancy, hormonal and immune changes occur in the body, and exacerbations against this background are common. When herpes manifests itself as an exacerbation already during pregnancy, a decision is made about a caesarean section, and immunomodulatory medications are prescribed.

Caesarean section is necessary so that during childbirth the baby does not become infected while passing through the birth canal.

If the rash appears in the first or second trimester, only drug therapy is prescribed.

Herpes and infertility in women are also linked. Regular exacerbations and rashes on the mucous membranes of the vagina, uterus and cervical canal lead to the appearance of:

adhesions;
imbalance of vaginal microflora;
secondary infections.

Therefore, to solve problems of conception, it is necessary to undergo antiviral therapy.

In men

Male genital herpes and pregnancy planning are less related, but still incompatible. Before conception, as part of your preparation, you need to undergo laboratory diagnostics. If the partner is a carrier of one of the types of herpes, conservative treatment is necessary before conception.

The effect of herpes in men on conception:

decreased sperm quality as a result of the inflammatory process, which means a decreased chance of conception;
erectile dysfunction;
slowing down sperm movement;
transmission of an acute infectious process to a woman.

Even herpes on the lips in men is a sign of exacerbation of the disease, which is dangerous due to fetal death or congenital developmental anomalies if the child survives. A man should undergo diagnosis and treatment before conception.

Treatment at the planning stage of a child

Prevention of herpes before pregnancy is as follows:

take vitamin and mineral complexes;
balance your diet;
diagnose virus activity;
strengthen the immune system, avoid stress, lack of sleep, hypothermia.

Treatment of herpes involves taking immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs. Acyclovir, Cycloferon, Interferon and similar drugs are prescribed. But it is unlikely that the disease will be completely cured. Referrals for all necessary diagnostic procedures are given to the woman by the gynecologist, where the pregnancy will be monitored.

Plan a pregnancy only after diagnosis and treatment. Reducing the activity of the virus will allow you to conceive and successfully carry a child, and maintain the health of the mother.