Infertility - The Result of an STD?

If you'd like to become pregnant and are having trouble doing so, one of the reasons could be because you have an STD. This might be shocking to some people, but it's important to look into the possibility that an STD is keeping your from conceiving. STDs, otherwise known as sexually transmitted diseases, can have serious consequences for your reproductive system, especially if they go untreated.

STD-induced Infertility

One of the main reasons that women don't seek treatment for their STDs is that they don't know that they have them. STDs don't always present with symptoms, and women may not even be aware that they have an issue. Some untreated STDs can cause infections of the reproductive organs. One example of this is PID, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and make pregnancy very difficult. Male infertility, as well, can be due to untreated STDs. While most STDs present in a more obvious way in men, there are situations where men don't realize they have an STD and this can create an STD infection. Each year, 500,000 men develop epididymitis from an STD infection, causing inflammation of the vessels which transports semen from the testicles. This can completely block the vessels, causing male infertility.

STDS That Cause the Most Problems

There are a number of specific STDs that are most closely associated with fertility issues. Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, affecting millions of men and women each year. It is found in both vaginal fluid and semen and, left untreated, it can lead to PID. This wounds the fallopian tubes, as discussed above, and can lead to infertility. Gonorrhea, another STD, also leads to PID and infertility. HIV, certainly, is life threatening, and should be identified before trying to have a baby. It is spread mostly through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions and sharing needles. It can also be transmitted through breast milk. Trichomonioasis, another STD, also causes the fallopian tubes to swell and can lead to infertility.

Getting Tested

Certainly, getting both you and any partners tested for STDs can help to rule out this issue in your infertility and it can help you to identity and fix the problem. Untreated STDS can be very harmful to you, to your chances of fertility, and to any unborn baby that you might be able to conceive. Dealing with these issues will pave the way towards fertility success - and towards a healthier, happier body in which to conceive and carry a child!