Why do sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and HPV cause infertility in both men and women? iBaby will guide you to the answers in this article.
Causes of Infertility
Apart from abnormalities occurring in various organs in the body, diseases, and hormonal issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are another factor that can cause infertility.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial sexually transmitted infections that can affect both men and women without showing any symptoms. In chlamydia, symptoms may not appear until 2-3 weeks after infection. Women with gonorrhea may have no symptoms or only mild ones, while men tend to experience more severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pus or abnormal discharge from the genital area
- Pain and discharge or bleeding from the rectal area
In cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia, men may experience abnormal swelling in the testicles and scrotum and pain during ejaculation. There may also be symptoms affecting the throat if engaged in oral sex, such as sore throat and cough. Having gonorrhea increases the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV. Chlamydia infection can increase the risk of gonorrhea, and vice versa.
Why Does Gonorrhea Cause Infertility?
In women, untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in about 10-15% of cases, which may cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. Additionally, if pregnancy occurs, there is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In the United States alone, there were approximately 4 million new cases of chlamydia and 1.6 million new cases of gonorrhea in 2018.
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by bacteria transmitted through sexual contact. It is a communicable disease that may not show noticeable symptoms, as it may present as small sores on the genitals, mouth, or anus that are not painful. If detected early, it can be easily cured. However, if both men and women have syphilis and do not receive timely treatment, it can cause infertility in both sexes. Since early-stage symptoms may not be clear, many patients reach the tertiary stage of syphilis without receiving treatment, during which the disease affects the body as a whole.
Why Does Syphilis Cause Infertility?
The infection can damage other organs, such as the brain and nervous system, bones and joints, blood vessels, and the reproductive system in men, potentially leading to epididymitis and causing infertility. If a woman contracts syphilis during pregnancy, it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
HPV
Why Does HPV Cause Infertility?
In women, chronic infections of the cervix and surgical procedures on the cervix due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection can reduce the quantity and quality of cervical and vaginal mucus necessary for sperm migration, making it more difficult to conceive. HPV does not affect only women; both men and women can be infected.
Additionally, HPV infection increases the risk of cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, genital warts, and penile cancer. Since there is no cure for HPV, but it can be prevented by vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommends that boys and girls aged 11 or 12 receive the HPV vaccine, or if not yet vaccinated, they should do so by age 25.
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