In America, an estimated 1 in 8 couples are affected by infertility. In our latest post, we answer the question- do STIs cause infertility and other common questions about the causes of infertility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines infertility as not being able to become pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. If you are struggling to become pregnant, you are not alone. Many factors can cause infertility, and treating the underlying conditions or receiving fertility care can be helpful.
Can chlamydia cause infertility?
Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, can indeed lead to infertility if left untreated. When Chlamydia infects the reproductive organs, such as the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and in males, the urethra and testicles, it can cause inflammation and scarring. In women, this inflammation can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to blockages in the fallopian tubes, hindering the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
In men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis, leading to blockages in the sperm ducts. Both scenarios can significantly impair fertility by preventing conception or increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is always a nonviable pregnancy. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia are crucial in avoiding potential infertility complications. Regular STI testing, practicing safe sex, and seeking medical attention for symptoms are essential steps in safeguarding reproductive health.
Can gonorrhea cause infertility?
Gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can also lead to infertility if left untreated. Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea can cause inflammation and scarring of the reproductive organs when it infects the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and, in males, the urethra and testicles. In women, untreated gonorrhea can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to complications such as scar tissue formation in the fallopian tubes, which can obstruct the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
Like untreated chlamydia, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a condition where the epididymis becomes inflamed, potentially leading to blockages in the sperm ducts. These complications can significantly impact fertility by interfering with conception or increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea are crucial in preventing potential infertility issues. Regular STI testing, practicing safe sex, and seeking medical attention for symptoms are essential measures for maintaining reproductive health.
STI testing can help reduce the risk of infertility
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to fallopian tube scarring, which is a common cause of infertility. Sometimes, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause PID, which can lead to infertility. This is why prompt testing and treatment of STIs is imperative.
We at AWHC are happy to help you with fast STI testing and care. It’s essential to remember that both gonorrhea and chlamydia are often asymptomatic, meaning you might not know that something is wrong until you receive positive STI test results. Both infections are easily treatable with antibiotics.
Common causes of infertility in people assigned female at birth (AFAB)
Pregnancy is often depicted as a simple process, but many pieces must align for it to occur. Before understanding the conditions that cause infertility, it’s essential to know the reproductive organs that pregnancy depends on in people who are AFAB. Each month, one or both ovaries release a mature egg. During ovulation, the egg travels down the fallopian tube, a hollow structure. During unprotected penis-in-vagina sex, if a sperm cell meets with an egg during someone’s ovulation window, fertilization can occur. When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, a pregnancy begins. Conditions that affect any necessary reproductive parts, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus, can impact fertility.
Because the process of ovulation is essential for a pregnancy to occur, it makes sense that ovulation disorders are the most common cause of infertility. Plenty of other factors disrupt ovulation, including hormone imbalances, eating disorders, substance use, or thyroid conditions.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women and AFAB people. It can cause irregular periods or a lack of ovulation. 80% of those with PCOS may struggle with infertility. Endometriosis is another factor for infertility, which produces inflammation and scar tissue around the reproductive organs. Sometimes, people do not know they have endometriosis until they struggle with becoming pregnant. Between 30-50% of people with endometriosis may experience infertility.
Other causes of infertility in AFAB people include the following.
- Cervical mucous issues.
- Problems with your uterus include polyps, uterine fibroids, or scarring inside the uterus.
- Problems with egg count or quality are sometimes caused by age.
- Fallopian tube scarring, which is also called “tubal factor infertility.”
Common causes of infertility in people assigned male at birth (AMAB)
Both men and women can contribute to infertility equally, even though it’s often portrayed as a “women’s issue.” Further, though the CDC’s clinical definition of infertility includes only cisgender heterosexual couples, anyone can struggle with infertility, despite their gender or sexual orientation.
Risk factors for infertility among all genders are fairly widespread. They can include smoking, weight, chronic illness, and work environment. AMAB individuals who work near toxic chemicals, such as welders, painters, construction workers, military personnel, or high-intensity athletes, can face increased risk.
Common causes of infertility in AMAB people include the following.
- Problems with sperm, including low sperm count.
- Medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders.
- Cancer treatments.
- STIs, including gonorrhea and HIV.
When to see a doctor for infertility
AFAB people may see a doctor if they meet the following criteria.
- If you are 35 and over and have tried to get pregnant for at least six months.
- If you have irregular periods, no periods, or very painful periods.
- If you have a condition that commonly causes infertility, such as endometriosis or PID.
- If you have had one or more miscarriages.
- If you have received chemotherapy or radiation.
AMAB people may see a doctor if they meet the following criteria.
- If you have a low sperm count.
- If you have testicular or prostate conditions or prior hernia surgery.
- If you have had prior cancer treatment.
- If you have experienced infertility in the past or have a family history of infertility.
If you have infertility, care is available. Fertility care includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. With assisted reproductive technology (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medications, and fertility preservation, modern advancements can help treat infertility and lead to a successful pregnancy.
At AWHC, we are always happy to address family planning goals during your annual wellness exam. We treat conditions that can lead to infertility, like STIs. We can also refer you to a fertility specialist if you have fertility concerns, meet the criteria for infertility, or have an underlying condition that causes infertility.