Infertility is on the rise. Patients are lining up at the clinics of the best doctors for fertility treatment. Many factors ranging from lifestyle to diet and nutrition are affecting fertility today. But there is another reason behind increasing infertility - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). STIs are one of the top reasons that cause infertility in both men and women. So, in the following blog, let us understand the impact of STIs on fertility.

Common STIs and Their Impact on Fertility

STIs are sexually transmitted, and many STIs have become rampant nowadays. If left untreated, STIs can travel up the reproductive system of men and women, and cause irreparable damage. The STIs can develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Here are some common STIs and their impact on fertility:

Chlamydia - Chlamydia is caused by the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and is one of the most common forms of STI. This disease affects many young women. It doubles the risk of infertility in them.

Herpes (HPV) - Another extremely common STI, herpes is caused by the human papillomavirus. It is an incurable infection but is not life-threatening. It can cause infertility in men by reducing their sperm count. In females, it increases the chances of miscarriages and can even spread to the baby in the form of neonatal herpes.

Syphilis - Though this STI used to be rampant in the past, modern medicine has almost wiped it. But the infection is now making a comeback. Syphilis mostly affects male fertility by causing epididymitis which affects the functioning of the sperm duct, preventing sperm from being released properly or in adequate amounts.

Gonorrhoea - This is also a bacterial infection. Though it affects the fertility of males and females, it affects females worse. It damages the fallopian tubes. If pregnancy does occur, it can be ectopic pregnancies and the disease can also be passed to the baby. It is quite problematic.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of STIs

Most of the fertility-affecting STIs, when caught early, can be treated before they can affect your fertility. And the only way to catch them early is to recognize the symptoms. Here are some symptoms:

Chlamydia Symptoms


• Pain in the pelvis and stomach
• Painful urination.
• Weird vaginal discharge.
• Bleeding even when not on periods.
• Pain during sex and blood discharge

Chlamydia is diagnosed through medical tests and examination by a doctor.

Herpes Symptoms


• Severe itching and pain in the genital region.
• Warts on genitals.
• Pain during urinating.
• Anus, genitals, and mouth are afflicted by bumps, ulcers, and blisters.
• Discharge from the vagina in females and urethra in males.

Herpes has to be diagnosed by a medical doctor through appropriate medical tests.

Syphilis Symptoms


• Open sores on the rectum, mouth, genitals, and skin.
• Sore throat and fever.
• Headaches and muscle pain.
• Swollen lymph nodes and fatigue
• Hair loss.

Since syphilis has symptoms common to other diseases, it's best diagnosed by a doctor and medical tests.

Gonorrhoea Symptoms
:
• Weird vaginal and penile discharge.
• Burning and pain while urinating.
• Swollen foreskin.
• Pain during sex and in between periods.
• Fever, sore throat, and pus.
• Stomach, groin, and testicular pain.

Doctors and medical tests are the best way for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and Prevention of STIs

Thanks to the advancement in modern medicine, almost all the above-given STIs can be treated. Herpes is the only one that cannot be treated, but it is a manageable disease. It can be managed by medicines. So, if you are facing fertility issues and are trying IVF fertility treatment in Pune, you should do an STI screening as well. The doctor can then start treatment if any STI is found. Safe sex and fidelity to your trusted partner is the only way to prevent STIs

Impact of STIs on Male Fertility

Many of the above-given STIs affect male fertility. Not only do they affect the quality of the sperm, but they also cause physical damage to the sperm ducts. While sperm quality can be redeemed through some treatments, physical damage needs more advanced treatments. Hence, you need to consult an excellent fertility doctor in such cases as Dr. Ramit Kamate.

Dr. Ramit Kamate, for the past few years, has been running the best IVF clinic in Pune called Nakshatra Clinic. Here, you will find the best solutions for all male and female fertility issues and STI diagnosis and treatments at the most affordable prices. So, contact Nakshatra Clinic today for an appointment and consultation!