Fertility and the most common STIs
Most common STIs are preventable or treatable. Therefore the risk is not that high. However, if left untreated then sexually transmitted infections (STL) can severely affect fertility and also can cause health complications.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Both men and women can be affected by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the result can be development of cancer and other complicated diseases. Most of the time, HPV shows no signs or symptoms. Therefore it is quite difficult to determine whether you have been affected by STIs or not. Your body can fight off the virus naturally, but not all the time.
Infertility Possibilities: HPV does not lead to infertility but it can impact the infertility problems among women. HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Therefore the removal of cancerous cells from the cervix can indirectly lead to infertility.
Prevention: The best way to prevent cancer is by getting HPV vaccine and using protection during intercourse. Using condoms can greatly reduce the risk of contracting HPV. Treatment: There is no treatment that can kill the virus itself, but once you experience the symptoms causing by the virus then those can be cured by proper treatments and medication, including cervical precancer.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria and it is easily curable. The disease is an asymptomatic one and can be found in both men and women.
Infertility possibilities: Chlamydia can contribute developing pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) among women, if not treated properly and at the primary stage. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can have a severe impact on the ovaries, fallopian tube and ovaries. As a result of the associated inflammation, it can block the fallopian tube and lead to infertility.
Prevention: using protection during intercourse is the best preventive measure that you can take to minimise the risk exposure to Chlamydia. Getting regular screening is very effective for eradicating the problem. Treatment: Taking oral antibiotics and medications like azithromycin under the consultation of a physician successfully treat Chlamydia.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an infection in the genitals, rectum and throat. For women, gonorrhea can infect the cervix too. However, this sexually transmitted disease is curable. Infertility possibilities: Untreated gonorrhea can affect the uterus and fallopian tubes. Therefore, it can cause scarring of the fallopian tube and thus may lead to pregnancy complications or even to infertility.
Prevention: Regular screen and protective sexual habits are the best possible ways to prevent the risk of gonorrhea to happen to you. Treatment: Gonorrhea can be cured completely by using two particular drugs, azithromycin and intramuscular ceftriaxone.
Sexual health, emotions and fertility
A study from Stanford University found that 40 percent infertile women suffer from some kind of sexual problem, the impact of which is both physical and mental stress. Emotions are strongly connected with sexual health. If you are undergoing infertility treatments then is very natural that you are going through emotional, physical and psychological void in your life. Sex, when leads to conception, can bring up feelings of stress, anxiety, disappointment and even resentment.
