When left untreated, there are a number of STDs that can cause additional and often more serious health complications, including infertility. In particular, there are some STDs that can be responsible for infertility in both women and men. In this blog we discuss the details of these infections.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia are the two most common STDs in the US and both cause infertility. In fact, gonorrhea and chlamydia together are the leading cause of preventable infertility around the world. Research shows that chlamydia is responsible for almost half of all cases of tubal infertility in the developed world. One reason these two infections are so dangerous is that they go unnoticed. A person can be infected for a long time without symptoms, while the infection causes physical damage.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia mainly cause infertility by causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10-15% of women with untreated chlamydia will develop PID. PID can result in scarring of the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from traveling to the uterus (called tubal infertility) and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Gonorrhea, on the other hand, accounts for approximately 20% of PID cases in the US.
For men, untreated STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to damage to the reproductive system. Gonorrhea in men can cause infection of the testicles, inflammation of the prostate, scarring of the urethra and infertility.
Herpes and HIV
Viral infections such as herpes and HIV can cause a reduction in semen quality, with subsequent problems associated with pregnancy. Research has found herpes cells in semen, but the effect of these cells on fertility is currently limited.
Mycoplasma genitalium infection
Mycoplasma genitalium infection is a relatively newer STD as it was identified in the 1980s. M. genitalium has been identified in urethral infections in men and PID in women. Current information indicates potential infertility problems for both men and women.
Preventing infertility due to STDs
While none of the above infections will definitely result in infertility for those infected, these infections are identified as possible causes of infertility. To protect yourself, get tested regularly and ensure that you and your partner are not living with these infections. STD treatment is available for most of these diseases. Get tested regularly and treated as quickly as possible.