The Facts

Some STDs can have significant effects on your reproductive system, especially if they are left untreated. Sadly, because many STDs cause only minor symptoms, many infected men and women do not get the treatment they need. Resulting in a large number of people suffering the effects of STD-induced infertility.

The majority of men who are infected with an STD exhibit symptoms soon after infection. This means that, overall most men do seek treatment in time to prevent any damage to their fertility. Every year, 500 000 men develop epididymitis as a result of STD infection. Epididymitis causes inflammation in the one of the vessels which transports semen from the testicles. Epididymitis can result in the complete blockage of these vessels, causing male infertility.

Many women who contract STDs do not develop visible STD symptoms, and, as a result, are more likely not to seek immediate treatment. This can be a major cause of infertility. Several unaddressed STDs can cause an infection of the reproductive organs. Known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), this infection can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes making pregnancy difficult or impossible.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria that live in your semen or vaginal fluid. Typically transmitted through vaginal or oral intercourse, chlamydia can sometimes be passed through oral sex. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or epididymitis. Unfortunately, symptoms of chlamydia are typically invisible. If chlamydia symptoms do manifest, they can include −
◊ unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
◊ painful urination
◊ swollen testicles
◊ in women, painful intercourse

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea commonly affects men and women between the ages of 15 and 29, however, anyone can contract the disease. Commonly known as the clap, gonorrhea is caused by bacteria that live in bodily fluids. Gonorrhea is usually contracted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If left untreated, gonorrhea can also lead to fertility problems, including PID and epididymitis. Gonorrhea symptoms typically take between 2 and 10 days to manifest and include−
◊ nausea and vomiting
◊ in women, bleeding after sex
◊ yellow or bloody vaginal discharge
◊ green, white, or yellow discharge from the penis

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a very common STD and is usually transmitted through unprotected vaginal sex. If left untreated, it can cause fallopian tube inflammation, complicating fertility. Symptoms are often invisible in men, however women commonly produce symptoms. Symptoms of trichomoniasis include−
◊ yellow-green vaginal discharge
◊ pain during sexual intercourse
◊ itchy genitals