In persons 25 years of age and younger, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are infections spread from person to person through sexual contact, are particularly prevalent.
STDs are brought on by bacteria or viruses that move within the body and cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
About 30% of female infertility is due to fallopian tube issues, and tubal factor infertility is frequently brought on by STDs.
In addition to harming the ovaries, which can also contribute to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an illness frequently brought on by STDs, can cause tubal factor infertility.
Due to their lack of symptoms, some STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can impact both men's and women's fertility. additional harm.
The most easily avoidable cause of infertility, STDs may be easily and affordably screened for.
Why do STDs contribute to infertility?
Both women and men may experience infertility as a direct or indirect result of sexually transmitted infections state the Best Gynecologist in Nashik. When STDs are ignored, infections can move up the reproductive system and affect the woman's uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, resulting in injury, scarring, or inflammation. This can lead to infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and damage to the fallopian tubes are the two main causes of infertility associated with STDs.
• Tubal factor infertility and PID
When germs invade the reproductive system, the STDs gonorrhea or chlamydia are most frequently the cause of PID. PID results in scarring of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. PID can result in infertility if neglected, as it can do irreparable damage.
One of the main causes of female infertility is fallopian tube issues, which can be brought on by STDs. Tubal factor infertility has several causes, including PID. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), tubal factors account for 25–35% of female infertility. Infertility can be brought on by damaged or clogged fallopian tubes in two different ways: either it prevents sperm from accessing the egg in the tube for fertilization or it prevents the egg from being fertilized and it can stop a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus and becoming pregnant.
• STDs that indirectly cause infertility
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis can indirectly affect fertility. It can cause the couple to abstain from sexual intercourse. This as a result limits the chances of pregnancy.
• Treatment is crucial
When it comes to infertility, untreated STDs play a significant role say the experts from the Best Gynecology Hospital in Nashik. It is less likely that STDs may negatively affect fertility if they are properly recognized and treated. STD testing is easily available and inexpensive. The likelihood that STDs won't affect infertility increases with earlier STD diagnosis.
The end of this article includes information on both STD prevention measures and STD treatment options.
• Care is essential
Untreated STDs are a substantial contributor to infertility. If STDs are correctly identified and treated, there is a lower chance that they will have a detrimental impact on fertility. STD testing is easily accessible and reasonably priced. With earlier STD detection, there is a greater chance that infertility won't be affected by STDs.
Information about STD treatment choices and STD preventive strategies is provided at the end of the article.
• Chlamydia (chlamydia trachomatis)
Chlamydia is the most often reported STD, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Both men and women can contract chlamydia through sexual interaction. Chlamydia frequently has no symptoms, thus many people who have it are unaware of it.
In females, untreated chlamydia can harm and scar the uterus or fallopian tubes, decreasing the likelihood of getting pregnant. According to the CDC, approximately 10%–15% of women with untreated chlamydia will get PID. Chlamydia can affect the health of sperm in men, which can lead to male infertility.
• Gonorrhea
Anyone who engages in sexual activity is susceptible to getting gonorrhoea according to the experts from the Best Gynecology Hospital in Nashik. The incidence of gonorrhea in young people can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.
Due to their higher sexual activity, adults aged 15 to 24 are typical. Gonorrhea can cause both men and women to experience very serious problems if it is left untreated.
The female reproductive system, specifically the uterus and fallopian tubes, can support gonorrhea, which can result in PID and tubal factor infertility. Males who have gonorrhea may develop epididymitis, an inflammation of the sperm ducts. If untreated, this can result in scarring that plugs the duct and keeps sperm from reaching the female during sexual activity, leading to male infertility.
• Papillomavirus (HPV)
The most prevalent STI in the country, according to ACOG, is HPV, which is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact. Warts on the skin and in the vaginal region are typically brought on by the viral virus HPV. The length of time it takes to treat these warts can affect a couple's sexual relationship.
Certain HPV strains can raise a woman's risk of getting cervical cancer and precancerous cells. Fertility may be impacted by the removal of cervix malignant and precancerous cells. The treatments used to remove these cells may alter how much cervical mucus is produced, which may have an impact on a woman's capacity to conceive. Some HPV strains in men can lead to recurrent infections that eventually proceed to genital malignancies that impact fertility Herpes is brought on by the sexually transmitted disease HSV. The type 2 virus (HSV-2) is the most frequent cause of genital herpes, which manifests as tiny blisters on the genitalia. A pregnant woman who has HSV may endanger the unborn child by transmitting the virus during vaginal birth. By making a couple postpone sexual activity while an outbreak is occurring, HSV might indirectly affect fertility by delaying the start of the conception process.
• STD prevention
Avoiding sex is the best approach to avoid contracting an STD or STI. Correct condom use can reduce the risk of contracting an STD. And never engage in sexual activity with somebody who exhibits symptoms like a rash, genital sores, or discharge.
The likelihood of catching an STD can be decreased by having fewer partners and being tested with a partner.
Some of the most prevalent STDs can be avoided by vaccination.
Before engaging in sexual activity, discuss STD prevention with any potential partners.
To determine whether you might have an STD, get tested.
Continue receiving therapy since many STDs can be cured and all can be managed.