Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Infertility is a tough, deeply personal journey and for many, it’s made even harder by not fully understanding how they got there. One factor that often goes unmentioned are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are 3 STIs that impact fertility for men and women and we will go over ways you can protect your reproductive health.
STI or STD? What’s the Difference?
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection and STD stands for sexually transmitted disease but over the years they have been used interchangeably for years. In fact there is quite the history behind the use of the words and how the term STD has been used as a fear tactic among society.
There isn’t a definitive answer on which is the best term to use, in fact the CDC uses them interchangeably as well. For the sake of this article and the information about how these affect fertility, I am going to use the term STI because all diseases start with an infection. For women, sexually transmitted infections are the preliminary step to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a disease that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
3 STIs that Affect Fertility in Men and Women
STIs tend to affect more women than men because of the female anatomy, the vaginal mucosa is thin, delicate and easily penetrated by infections. Certain sexually transmitted infections can directly damage reproductive organs and if left untreated, they can potentially lead to infertility. Here are some of the common ones:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial infections out there and it can quietly impact fertility without you even knowing it.
Women under the age of 25 are most commonly affected. It is recommended that regular scheduled screenings are had once you become sexually active to prevent adverse health conditions. Chlamydia binds to vaginal, rectal or oral (this is rare) cells in the body so when getting tested your doctor will do swab tests in all of these areas just to be sure. In women, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain and tubal infertility, all of which can make it harder to conceive.
In men, chlamydia can cause issues like urethritis and epididymitis which can lower sperm count or affect the sperm’s swimming capabilities. Men are more likely than women to experience any symptoms. You may have chlamydia if you experience pain when peeing, burning or itching in the urethra (the tube carrying the pee from your body), or if your testicles hurt.
Since chlamydia often doesn’t present symptoms, regular testing is important for those who are sexually active.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that can seriously impact fertility if left untreated. In women, the cell attaches to surfaces of the throat, vagina or rectum. It can travel to the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to PID and infertility due to scarring in these areas. Additionally, untreated gonorrhea has been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight and premature rupture of membranes.
In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, which affects sperm quality and function. This infection has similar symptoms as chlamydia, so you may experience a burning sensation while peeing, penis discharge and in rare occasions swollen or painful testicles. Because gonorrhea has become resistant to some antibiotics, treating it can be a little more complex so it’s important to catch it early.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can cause symptoms like itching, irritation, or discharge. Although it doesn’t directly damage fertility like chlamydia or gonorrhea, trichomoniasis increases your risk of contracting other STIs, which can impact fertility.
For women, untreated trichomoniasis may also lead to pregnancy complications. The infection affects the urogenital tract which is a combination of your urinary and reproductive tracts. Some complications include, preterm birth, low birth weight, preterm rupture of membranes.
For men,it can reduce sperm motility and a higher risk of other infections. Men are traditionally considered to be benign and consequently have been overlooked.
STDs that Indirectly Cause Infertility
Some STDs don’t damage reproductive organs directly but still create conditions that make conception difficult or add risks.
Syphilis
While syphilis doesn’t directly cause infertility, if left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues that may impact your overall reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. For example, congenital syphilis, which can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, has serious consequences for both.
HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is incredibly common, and while most strains don't impact fertility, some are linked to cervical cancer, which can affect reproductive health. Treatments for HPV such as surgery and radiation can impact fertility the most. You can prevent HPV through vaccination and if you are concerned about contracting, you may also want to consider family planning such as freezing your eggs or sperm banking.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) doesn’t directly impact fertility, but it does weaken the immune system, which can make it easier to contract other STIs that might. Some HIV treatments may impact hormonal balance, potentially affecting ovulation cycles in women and sperm health in men.
What To Do If You’ve Contracted An STI
If you have tested positive for an STI, don’t panic. It does not mean you are automatically infertile or are going to experience health hardships. The best thing you can do is start treatment early to avoid long-term complications like infertility. Connect with a healthcare provider who can guide you towards the right course of action for you.
- If you are in college, you may have access to the campus healthcare team. Check your university’s website for more information.
- If you have an established doctor, they can help conduct that screening.
- If you do not have an established doctor, you can find some free or low cost clinics at GetTested by the CDC and FreeSTDCheck.
Practicing Safe Sex
Protecting your fertility starts with practicing safe sex. Using protection, having open communication with your partner, and knowing your testing status are all ways to reduce your risk. The only way to completely prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex at all.
When was the last time you were tested?
Routine STI testing is a simple but powerful way to safeguard your fertility and overall sex health. Many STIs are asymptomatic, which means you could go weeks or months without realizing the damage being caused. The CDC recommends annual testing for those who are sexually active and more frequent testing if you have multiple partners or may be at a higher risk of contracting an infection. Testing gives you control over your health, helping you catch issues before they lead to serious long term complications.
Connecting Online
Taking steps to understand STIs and the risks they pose to fertility is empowering! PatientsLikeMe can help. You can join a community of people sharing similar experiences with contracting a sexually transmitted disease and are experiencing infertility. Our platform enables you to track your symptoms, menstrual and ovulation cycles, and treatment responses while connecting with others who understand your journey firsthand.
Members share their personal stories, treatment experiences, and coping strategies through detailed testimonials. From lifestyle modifications to treatment decisions, you'll find practical advice and motivation from others who've walked this path before you.
