22 Jun Can STDs cause infertility?
STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases) are one of the most unknown causes of infertility among the population. The rejection of many young people to use condoms, the only current form to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, creates a greater likelihood of contracting these diseases, and therefore, putting their health and fertility at risk.
The STDs that cause the highest rate of infertility in the population are:
- Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.
These two sexually transmitted diseases can cause pelvic inflammation. In the female reproductive system, this inflammation can appear in the fallopian tubes, causing infertility or ectopic pregnancies.
In the case of the male reproductive system, inflammation takes place in the pathways where the sperms are located, causing the production of a smaller amount of sperm at the time of ejaculation.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia?
In women, both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be observed in the presence of vaginal pain and bad odor. If you notice any of these symptoms go to your gynecologist for an examination and make sure you are not suffering from any of these diseases.
In men, the most common symptoms are:
- Thick and yellow discharge from the urethra
- Burning pain during and after urination
- Pain in the testicles
- Rectal weight sensation.
What other STDs cause infertility?
Two other STDs that cause infertility are the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Apart from the well known consequences of these diseases, they cause problems in the reproductive system, of both male and female.
HPV
In the case of the Human Papilloma Virus, if the lesions are external, the cervical mucus of the woman can be affected and, therefore, have higher difficulties to get pregnant.
HIV
Regarding the HIV, the risk of cervical abnormalities and an early menopause increases.
In the male reproductive system, the condition causes:
- Inflammation in the testicles
- Lower production of hormones
- Lower quality in the sperm
In short, after reading how STDs can affect your fertility, it is important to always use contraceptive methods that protect you from them and we recommend to go to a specialist with any occurring symptom.
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