How long should males wait after possible Zika virus exposure before trying to conceive?

Males exposed to the Zika virus are advised to wait at least three months before attempting to conceive. This recommendation stems from evidence suggesting that Zika virus can persist in male semen longer than in other bodily fluids. The three-month waiting period is set to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus to a partner, particularly since Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to serious congenital defects and neurological issues in the fetus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities have established this three-month timeframe based on studies showing that the virus can remain in the male reproductive system and be transmitted through sexual contact. Hence, waiting ensures that any potential viral load is cleared, thereby protecting both the health of the partner and the unborn child.

In contrast, shorter waiting periods such as four weeks or even eight weeks may not fully account for the possible duration of Zika in semen, and a six-month waiting period is considered unnecessarily prolonged according to current guidelines. Therefore, the three-month recommendation strikes a balance between safety and practicality for couples planning to conceive after any exposure risk.