How STIs Affect Fertility in Women and Men
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, often silent, and sometimes underestimated in their impact on long-term reproductive health. If left untreated, certain STIs can cause serious complications, including infertility in both women and men.
Understanding how STIs affect fertility — and what steps you can take to prevent or manage them — is a key part of your preconception and reproductive journey.
The Most Common STIs That Affect Fertility
Let’s take a closer look at which STIs pose a risk to fertility and how they impact the reproductive system:
1. Chlamydia
- Impact on Women: Chlamydia is one of the leading preventable causes of female infertility. It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which causes damage to the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for an egg to meet sperm or for a fertilized egg to reach the uterus.
- Impact on Men: Chlamydia can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the tubes that carry sperm, leading to reduced sperm quality and possible infertility.
2. Gonorrhea
- In Women: Gonorrhea can also lead to PID, which causes scarring in the reproductive tract and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- In Men: Gonorrhea may affect the prostate and epididymis, reducing sperm motility and viability.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- HPV itself doesn’t directly cause infertility, but it can lead to cervical changes or cervical cancer, which may affect fertility depending on treatment type (e.g., surgery or radiation).
- In men, HPV is associated with lower sperm quality and DNA damage in sperm, although research is ongoing.
- Check out more information at https://fertility-nest.com/2024/07/21/hpvs-impact-on-fertility-insights-and-prevention/
4. Syphilis & HIV
- These infections can weaken the immune system and contribute to poor reproductive outcomes, miscarriage, or complications during pregnancy.
- Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth or congenital infections.
Why Early Detection Matters
Most STIs are asymptomatic — meaning you may not notice any symptoms until damage has already occurred. Routine screening is essential, especially if:
- You’re planning to conceive
- You’ve had new or multiple partners
- You have a history of untreated STIs
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea alone are responsible for up to 20% of female infertility cases globally, according to WHO data.
How to Protect Your Fertility
- Get Regular Screenings: Annual STI testing is recommended for sexually active individuals, even without symptoms.
- Use Protection: Condoms reduce the risk of transmission of most STIs.
- Limit Number of Sexual Partners: Fewer partners generally lowers your STI risk.
- Treat Infections Promptly: Early treatment can prevent permanent reproductive damage.
- Educate and Communicate: Honest conversations with your partner(s) about STI status and testing are crucial.
- Vaccinate: HPV vaccines are available and recommended to reduce the risk of HPV-related complications.
STIs and Fertility Treatments
- If you’re pursuing fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, undiagnosed or active STIs can delay or complicate the process.
- Clinics typically test and treat both partners before beginning assisted reproductive technologies.
Final Thoughts
STIs can silently impact fertility — but with education, routine screening, and proper treatment, you can take control of your reproductive health. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or in the future, knowing your STI status is a critical step toward preserving fertility.
Need Support Navigating Your Fertility Journey?
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