Can STIs Impact Fertility?

Reviewed By: Dr. Nayani Enjamoori, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Center, Karimnagar

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant risk to reproductive health, potentially leading to infertility. These infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, resulting in scarring and damage to the reproductive organs. In men, STIs can lead to inflammation and scarring of the reproductive system, affecting sperm function. Additionally, STIs can result in complications during pregnancy, further impacting fertility. Early detection, treatment, and prevention of STIs are essential for preserving fertility and reproductive well-being.

What is Sexually Transmitted Infections(STI)?

Sexually transmitted infection is a serious medical condition that couples develop through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. An STD (sexually transmitted disease) or infection causes symptoms like burning, itching, pain during urination, odorous vaginal/ penile discharge, severe pain during sexual intercourse, lower abdominal pain, etc.

Early detection of sexually transmitted diseases can prevent life-threatening complications.

Types of STIs:

Bacterial STIs: These are caused by bacteria and include infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Viral STIs: These are caused by viruses and include infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Parasitic STIs: These are caused by parasites and include infections such as trichomoniasis.

Potential Impact of STIs on Fertility

Sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria transmitted from person to person during intercourse. The major impact of STDs on fertility is categorized into two parts-

Effects of STIs on Female Fertility

Tubal factor infertility happens due to STD, where problems with the fallopian tubes can cause about 30% of infertility in women.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina and cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, leading to tubal factor infertility and also damages the ovaries, causing infertility in women.
Further, PID is mostly caused by STD gonorrhea, Chlamydia and is a major reason for causing scarring of the vagina, ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. If you suspect you may have PID or are experiencing symptoms of pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Effects of STIs on Male Fertility

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause significant fertility problems in men. Key factors include:

Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause severe infections like epididymitis. Further, if left untreated, the infection develops to cause scarring that obstructs the passage of sperm.
However, asymptomatic conditions, where individuals do not have symptoms of sexually transmitted disease but can still transmit the infection to others and also impact their reproductive health.
Nonetheless, other severe conditions can be caused by skin-to-skin contact where people have no idea of getting STI. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one such disease that turns into genital cancer, affecting male fertility.

Also Read: The Impact Of Age On Fertility

Specific STIs and Their Impact on Fertility

Let’s take a look at some of the major STIs (sexually transmitted infections) that cause infertility in men and women.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria. While not typically life-threatening, if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause pain, scarring, and infertility in women.
Additionally, Chlamydia impacts the cervix and urethra & rectum, both in men & women. Patients suffering from it often will have symptoms like burning while urination, vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting the genitals, throat, and rectum, can also silently harm fertility in both men and women.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Another major STD is Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts on the genitals, anus, and the mouth. The condition becomes severe as it has the potential to cause cervical cancer.
However, according to medical experts, HPV is not responsible for causing infertility directly but leads to cervical cancer, and its treatment causes infertility.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Other STIs

Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which has two types: HSV-1, causing cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2, responsible for genital herpes.
HSV does not directly cause infertility, but it can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, where HSV-2 can be transmitted to newborns.
Other sexually transmitted diseases are syphilis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.

Also Read: Why Are Women Worried About Female Fertility Too Early?

Strategies for Prevention of STIs

Practicing safe sex using condoms can help you reduce the chances of transmission of STI.

Limiting your sexual partners is another major step that you can take, as you never know which person is already infected with STIs.
Medical professionals also advise couples to have dental dams while having oral sex. It helps in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases through oral fluids.
For individuals above 12, both men & women, it is recommended to get the HPV vaccination, which protects them from having cervical cancer. Consult medical experts before getting the HPV vaccine.
Hepatitis B Vaccine is another impactful vaccination that prevents individuals from the risk of having Hepatitis B viral infection through sexual transmission.
Live a healthy life with precautions related to sexual transmission, and you’ll remain safe from such life-threatening diseases.
Regular STI testing: getting tested for STIs regularly, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners or have a new sexual partner, is crucial for early detection and treatment. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, so testing is the only way to know if you are infected.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing symptoms of STI, it is important to consult medical professionals. If you have any doubts or questions, the experts at Ferty9 Fertility Center specialize in diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted infections.

Visit Our Clinic:
Fertility Clinic in Hyderabad
Fertility Clinic in Visakhapatnam
Fertility Clinic in Vijayawada
Fertility Clinic in Warangal
Fertility Clinic in Rajahmundry
Fertility Clinic in Tirupati
Fertility Clinic in Kurnool

Write your message