Can STIs affect fertility?

The simple answer is yes. If left untreated, several STIs can pose health risks including loss of fertility. Whilst regular sexual health testing is advised despite your fertility plans, it is particularly important to be tested for STIs before conceiving. Here we explain which infections can impact your fertility and how.

Recently, it was reported that the UAE has amongst the lowest fertility rates – the average number of births per woman – in the world. The declining rate has been attributed to factors such as greater employment opportunities for women and a move towards smaller families. The data considers fertility rates among both Emiratis and expatriates.

The decision as to whether to have children is entirely yours, but protecting your fertility gives you the best chance to conceive naturally.

So which STIs can have a negative impact on fertility?

Let’s start with the two leading causes of preventable infertility around the world:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Since most individuals with Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea experience no symptoms, an infection can be left undetected for years in the absence of an STI test.

Over time, these infections can spread to the reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. This is where the fallopian tubes become scarred and blocked so eggs cannot reach the uterus.

Women can also experience an ectopic pregnancy whereby an egg becomes fertilised outside the womb. This can be life-threatening.

In men, a condition called epididymitis can develop. This is where the tube which the sperm travels in becomes inflamed, which can lead to infertility.

Other STIs which can affect fertility if left untreated:

Mycoplasma

Many people have not heard of Mycoplasma and, as a result, feel no need to be tested. However, Mycoplasma can have the same complications as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea – PID in women and epididymitis in men.

Syphilis

Amongst many other serious health complications, Syphilis can affect the reproductive organs. If a woman becomes pregnant whilst infected with Syphilis, this can lead to a miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or even death of a new-born baby. Men with Syphilis can also develop epididymitis.

Pre-pregnancy screening

If you are considering pregnancy in the near future and have not been tested for STIs, get in touch with us today. We can test both you and your partner for the widest range of infections. In the case of a positive result, starting treatment as early as possible is vital to protecting your long-term health and fertility.

Sources

[1] The National: UAE has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, study finds

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