STDs and Infertility: How Silent Infections Threaten Your Future

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) don’t just affect your sexual health - they can also threaten your ability to have children. Many STDs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea, cause no symptoms in the early stages, which means they often go undiagnosed and untreated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 24,000 women in the U.S. become infertile every year due to untreated STDs. However, infertility due to STDs is not just a female issue - men can also experience reduced sperm quality and blocked reproductive tubes due to infections.

In this article, we’ll explore how STDs can lead to infertility, what symptoms to watch for, and how early testing and treatment can protect your reproductive health.

How STDs Cause Infertility

Many STDs do not cause immediate damage - instead, they create long-term inflammation and scarring in the reproductive system. The most common ways STDs cause infertility include:

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in Women

• PID is a serious complication of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea.

• The infection spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to scarring and blockages.

• 1 in 6 women with untreated chlamydia will develop PID.

• Complications:

  • Blocked fallopian tubes prevent fertilization.

  • Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening.

2. Epididymitis in Men

• STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm.

• Symptoms include swollen testicles, pain, and fever.

• Long-term damage: Chronic infections can cause scarring that blocks sperm from being released, leading to infertility.

3. Decreased Sperm Quality in Men

• Untreated STDs can reduce sperm count and motility.

• Mycoplasma genitalium, a lesser-known STD, has been linked to lower sperm function.

• In some cases, chronic inflammation caused by STDs can result in DNA damage in sperm.

4. Increased Risk of Miscarriage and Pregnancy Complications

• Women with untreated syphilis have a 40% chance of miscarriage or stillbirth.

• HPV and herpes infections have been linked to preterm births and low birth weights.

💡 Fact: Studies show that undiagnosed STDs contribute to 15-20% of infertility cases worldwide.

Which STDs Are Most Likely to Cause Infertility?

Not all STDs lead to infertility, but certain infections are particularly dangerous if left untreated.

1. Chlamydia

• The #1 STD linked to infertility.

• Often symptomless but damages fallopian tubes over time.

• Increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies.

• Can be cured with antibiotics, but damage may be permanent if left untreated.

2. Gonorrhea

• Can cause severe reproductive scarring in both men and women.

• In men, gonorrhea can block sperm transport, causing male infertility.

• In women, it increases the risk of PID and chronic pelvic pain.

3. Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)

• An emerging STD that is often missed in standard tests.

• Can cause fallopian tube inflammation in women.

• Linked to sperm abnormalities and low sperm count in men.

4. Syphilis

• Can lead to miscarriages and birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

• Untreated syphilis in men can cause testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles).

5. Trichomoniasis

• A parasitic STD that affects fertility in both men and women.

• Linked to low sperm count and mobility issues.

• Can cause preterm labor in pregnant women.

💡 Are you at risk? Order a full STD panel to check for infertility-related infections

Symptoms of STD-Related Infertility

Many STDs don’t cause symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. However, some warning signs to watch for include:

Women

🚨 Irregular or painful periods
🚨 Unusual vaginal discharge
🚨 Pelvic pain or pain during sex
🚨 Difficulty getting pregnant

Men

🚨 Painful urination or discharge from the penis
🚨 Swollen or tender testicles
🚨 Low sperm count or fertility issues

Even if you have no symptoms, you could still carry an infection that affects your fertility.

💡 Best practice: Get tested before trying to conceive to rule out hidden STDs.

Can STD-Related Infertility Be Reversed?

If an STD has caused scarring or permanent damage, infertility may be difficult to reverse. However, early treatment dramatically improves fertility outcomes.

1. Antibiotic Treatment

• Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma genitalium can be cured with early antibiotic treatment.

• Early intervention prevents long-term reproductive damage.

2. Surgery for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

• In severe cases, surgical procedures may be needed to remove scar tissue from the fallopian tubes.

3. Fertility Treatments

• IVF (In vitro fertilization) may help couples with STD-related infertility.

• Sperm washing is used to separate healthy sperm from infected semen.

💡 Key takeaway: Testing and early treatment are the best ways to protect fertility

Who Should Get Tested for STDs Before Pregnancy?

The CDC recommends STD testing for anyone planning to conceive, especially if you:
✅ Have had unprotected sex in the past.
✅ Have had multiple partners.
✅ Have experienced pelvic pain, irregular periods, or infertility issues.
✅ Have had an STD before.

Couples trying to conceive should both get tested to rule out infections.

Final Thoughts: Take Action to Protect Your Fertility

Infertility is a devastating consequence of untreated STDs, but it’s also 100% preventable with early testing and treatment. If you’re sexually active or planning to start a family, regular STD screening is essential.

💡 Don’t wait until it’s too late order your STD test now

Sources:

• CDC: STDs and Infertility

• National Library of Medicine: Impact of Chlamydia on Reproductive Health

• World Health Organization (WHO): Global Infertility Statistics