Before talking about whether sexually transmitted diseases cause infertility or not, it is very important for you to know what sexually transmitted diseases are. Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases that are transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. These diseases are particularly common in adults 25 years of age or younger. These infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that spread in the body, leading to STDs. About 30% of female infertility is caused by problems with the fallopian tubes, a common cause of tubal factor infertility.
Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection commonly caused by STDs, can lead to tubal factors such as infertility as well as damaging the ovaries, which can also contribute to infertility.
With the help of this guide, we will give you an overview of sexually transmitted diseases that can cause infertility.
How do sexually transmitted diseases cause infertility?
Sexually transmitted diseases can directly or indirectly cause infertility in both men and women. When these diseases are left untreated, infections can develop, which cause infertility by moving up the reproductive system and spreading to the woman's uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, causing damage, scarring, or inflammation. The two major causes of sexually transmitted disease-related infertility are pelvic inflammatory disease and damage to the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal factor infertility
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia cause PID, which is one of the most common diseases. PID causes scarring of the cervix, vaginal ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. If left untreated, PID can cause irreversible damage, which results in infertility.
Problems associated with the fallopian tubes are a leading cause of female infertility, and such problems can be caused by STDs. 25 to 35% of female infertility is caused by tubal factors. Suppose the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked. In that case, this can result in infertility in two ways: firstly, it can prevent sperm from reaching the egg in the fallopian tube for fertilization, and secondly, it can prevent a fertilized egg from entering the uterus to implant for pregnancy.
STDs Affecting Fertility in Women and Men
Sexually transmitted diseases are a group of more than 20 diseases that can cause specific health complications. When these diseases are left untreated, there can be irreversible damage, which often leads to infertility. -
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is passed through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. Many people who have chlamydia are not aware of it because the disease does not show any symptoms.
In females, Chlamydia can cause damage and scarring to the uterus of fallopian tubes if left untreated, which results in decreased chances of becoming pregnant, whereas in males, Chlamydia can impact the health of sperm, leading to male infertility.
- Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea gets transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The prevalence of Gloria in young adults aging between 15 and 24 is common because they are more sexually active. Without proper treatment, gonorrhea can lead to very serious complications in both men and women.
Gonorrhea can thrive in the reproductive tract of females, mainly in the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID and tubal factor infertility. In males, gonorrhea can cause the sperm duct to become inflamed, causing epididymitis. If it is left untreated, it can cause male infertility and prevent sperm from entering the female during intercourse.
- Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States of America. It is transmitted mainly by skin-to-skin contact and generally causes warts on the skin and in the genital area. Some strains of this virus can increase the possibility of a woman developing pre-cancer cells and cervical cancer.
The procedure to remove the cells can change the production of cervical mucus, affecting women's ability to conceive. In contrast, in males, the sum of human papillomavirus types can cause persistent infection and progressively turn into genital cancers, affecting fertility.
- Herpes simplex virus
Herpes simplex virus is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause herpes. If a woman with this virus becomes pregnant, it can pass the virus to the infected through vaginal delivery, which can be life-threatening for the baby.
- Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. It does not have any direct effect on male fertility, but its complications can cause epididymitis.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health concern that can have lasting consequences, including infertility in both men and women. While many STDs don't initially present symptoms, leaving them untreated can cause significant damage to the reproductive system. Fortunately, most STDs are easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics.
Practicing safe sex by using condoms and getting tested regularly for STDs is crucial for protecting your present and future health.
