Which STDs Can Affect Your Fertility?

Fertility can be a sensitive topic for women, whether or not they’re actively trying to conceive a child. But you should feel comfortable discussing any aspect of your sexual and reproductive health with your gynecologist . Your doctor genuinely cares about your well-being, and will gladly answer your questions about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and how they might affect fertility.

Chlamydia

This is one of the most commonly transmitted STDs. It’s caused by a bacterial infection. Since many people with chlamydia never experience symptoms, it’s easy to spread it to a partner without realizing it. Women who are sexually active can request STD testing to find out if they might have chlamydia. This is especially important if they intend on conceiving a child someday, as chlamydia can adversely affect fertility by spreading to the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes may develop scar tissue, which interferes with the transfer of the egg, or they can become blocked altogether. The complications of chlamydia can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt medical intervention.

Gonorrhea

Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is spread by a bacterium and often causes no symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhea can affect many areas of the body, including the eyes, throat, joints, and rectum. It can also cause infertility in both men and women. Women with untreated gonorrhea can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and scar tissue in the fallopian tubes. If women are able to get pregnant, gonorrhea increases the risk of pregnancy complications.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID isn’t just caused by gonorrhea. It can also be a complication of chlamydia and other STDs. Additionally, many other bacterial infections that aren’t sexually transmitted can lead to PID. PID can inflict damage on a woman’s reproductive organs . It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, tubo-ovarian abscesses, and ectopic pregnancy. The longer PID is left untreated, the greater the risk of complications is.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is a modern medical facility that provides gynecology services in Washington, D.C. Our board-certified physicians are committed to providing exceptionally courteous and respectful care, which includes STD treatment. Call (202) 659-9403.