Sexually transmitted infections(STIs) can cause infertility.
When this happens, it’s usually because a chronic infection has goneuntreatedfor an extended period of time.
STI-related infertility is less common in men than in women.
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This article discusses STI-related infertility.
It also looks at individual STIs and how each one might cause infertility.
An Overview of STI-Related Infertility
STIs can cause infertility in both females and males.
In females, an untreated STI can cause inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.
This makes it hard for sperm to reach an egg.
Scarring in the fallopian tubes can also lead toectopicpregnancy.Anectopic pregnancyoccurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.
An unrecognized ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.
The urethra is the tube that transports urine and semen out of the body.
PID is one of the leading causes of preventable infertility.
PID causes a large amount of inflammation or swelling in the fallopian tubes.
These are the tubes that transport eggs to the uterus.
As PID progresses, scar tissue can form inside and outside the fallopian tubes.
This scar tissue can block the tubes so a fertilized egg can not travel to the uterus.
This is known astubal infertilitybecause the problems originate in the fallopian tubes.
Most females with gonorrhea do not have symptoms.
Gonorrhea often causes tubal damage.
Gonorrhea can also cause problems withsperm healthin many men.
Mycoplasma
Females with PID who have neither gonorrhea nor chlamydia may havemycoplasma.
Infection with this sexually transmitted bacterium may be more common than gonorrhea.
There is also some evidence suggesting that mycoplasma may lead to reduced fertility in males.
Herpes
There is limited evidence to suggest thatherpesmay be associated with infertility in males.
However, to date, there has been very little research on the topic.
What research there is suggests that herpes infection may be associated with reduced sperm count.
HIV
HIV can cause biological changes that may affect how reproductive organs function.
This can result in infertility.
Several HIV/AIDS-related comorbidities are also associated with infertility.
These include:
There is also some suggestion that, like herpes, HIV can affect sperm health.
Viral infections and immunodeficiency because of HIV can also reduce semen quality in males.
This makes it harder for them to get their partners pregnant.
HIV can also complicate the process of having children or undergoing fertility treatment.
Fortunately, there are assisted reproduction options that can make having children when HIV positive much safer.
Summary
Untreated STIs can cause infertility.
PID can cause scarring, which prevents a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
It can also lead to ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.
Some STIs may also cause fertility problems in males.
The best way to prevent STI-related infertility is to see to it you are regularly screened for STIs.
Most people who have these STIs will not become infertile.
People who receive timelytreatmentare much less likely to develop fertility problems as a result of their infection.
Regular STI screening helps find infections that may not have symptoms.
Screening and treatment aren’t just important in slowing the spread of STIs.
They can also help preserve your ability to have children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause female infertility due to tubal infertility.
Certain hormonal disorders, genetic disorders, or a reduction in testicular or ejaculatory function can affect male fertility.
No, men cannot get pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
This is because PID specifically affects a woman’s reproductive organs.
An untreated STI is a common risk factor for PID.
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