INFERTILITY AND STDS

Infertility and STDS are conditions that affect the reproductive system. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are illnesses that move from person to person via sexual contact and are more common in people aged 25 and under. They are caused by bacteria or viruses that spread throughout the body.

Furthermore, fallopian tube disorders account for around 30% of female infertility, and STDs are a major cause of tubal factor infertility. Some STDs may impair fertility in both men and women; however, these typically go undiagnosed owing to a lack of symptoms, causing further harm.

What STDs Cause Infertility?

Researchers have discovered a clear link between certain infertility and STDs. The following STDs may induce infertility:

Chlamydia

Because most instances of chlamydia do not cause symptoms, they often go unnoticed. When it does create symptoms, they may include the following:

  • Fevers
  • Chills
  • Testicle pain or tenderness
  • Swollen epididymis
  • Vaginal or urethra discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain during urination
  • Nausea or vomiting

Gonorrhea

Some cases of gonorrhea are frequently asymptomatic. However, if they exhibit symptoms, they may include the following:

  • Testicular discomfort or pain
  • Penis swelling or inflammation
  • Pus discharge from the penis
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain in the abdomen or the vaginal tract 

Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG)

The majority of MG cases are asymptomatic, although some men may experience the following:

  • Joint discomfort and swelling
  • Burning feeling when peeing
  • Urethral discharge

How Can STDs Cause Infertility?

Sexually transmitted infections may induce infertility in both men and women, either directly or indirectly. When STDs are not treated, infections may spread up the reproductive system and create scarring or inflammation in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus, resulting in infertility. The two leading causes of infertility due to an STD are pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and fallopian tube damage. By blocking the fallopian tubes, tubal scarring may prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. Those with damaged fallopian tubes are also susceptible to ectopic pregnancies.

How To Treat Infertility Caused By STDs?

Tubal factor infertility may be addressed with two major procedures that restore the damaged tubes:

Surgical

Salpingostomy, which involves creating a new entrance near the ovary, is one surgical approach for removing the obstruction. A salpingectomy, which involves removing a portion of the clogged tube, is another possibility. In tubal ligation reversal surgery, fallopian tubes that were previously “tied” or otherwise occluded for sterilization reasons are untied or reopened.

Nonsurgical

Tubal cannulation is a nonsurgical treatment option for clogged tubes. A catheter is used during this surgery to locate the obstruction and remove it from the fallopian tubes.

When damaged or clogged fallopian tubes cannot be repaired, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the next best option.

Oral antibiotics are often used to treat PID, along with avoiding sexual contact until the treatment is done. Women with PID may need antibiotic therapy for an extended period of time.

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