We do not have adequate information to determine the rate of spread of the disease from one individual to another. We encourage individuals to avoid sexual intercourse during this time. Infected individuals should avoid sex until all symptoms are gone. Even though the risk of transmission without symptoms is small, condoms should always be used. Pregnancy Thousands of babies are born every day in the United States to women with genital herpes.
Vaginal deliveries are usually possible, and the babies are perfectly normal.
Pregnant women who have a history of genital herpes, whose sexual partner has a history of genital herpes, or develop this infection during pregnancy should notify their obstetrical service. There is some controversy about how to manage a delivery when a mother has genital herpes, and each case needs to be treated individually. Relationship to Cervical Cancer Studies suggest that herpes genital infection predisposes women to develop cervical cancer cancer. For this reason, we caution against over interpreting these data. Early detection and treatment can cure cervical cancer.