Sexually transmitted infections can have serious consequences when they are left untreated. They can lead to infertility in both men and women. Infertility is defined as the inability of a person to get pregnant after trying for one year without using birth control measures such as condoms, diaphragms, etc. This article discusses how STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and others can affect fertility in men and women. It explains the causes and symptoms of these diseases as well as their impact on conception.
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria that infect cells lining the reproductive tract of both males and females. If chlamydia goes undetected for long periods it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which leads to scarring and blockage of fallopian tubes in women, leading to infertility. Men may also suffer from epididymitis or testicular pain due to this infection. Symptoms include burning during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods. Gonorrhea is another STI caused by bacteria. In women, it can spread up into the uterus causing pelvic inflammation and damage to internal organs resulting in infertility. In men, it can cause swelling and pain around the testicles. HSV-2 is a viral infection that causes genital sores and blisters on the skin surrounding the anus or genitals, which when left untreated can lead to infertility in both sexes.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks CD4+ T-cells that play an important role in protecting the body against foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. A person living with HIV has weakened immunity making them more susceptible to other infections including those transmitted through sexual contact like syphilis or gonorrhea. Syphilis damages tissues inside the female reproductive system leading to decreased fertility while affecting male sperm production if left untreated. All these diseases are preventable through regular testing and safe sex practices. Treatment involves antibiotics for chlamydia and gonorrhea; herpes medications help reduce symptoms but do not cure the virus completely. Anti-retroviral therapy is used to treat HIV while penicillin is given for syphilis treatment.