What Types of STDs Cause Male Fertility?

STDs Can Lead To Difficulty With Male Fertility

What Types of STDs Cause Male Fertility?

Several factors can negatively affect male and female fertility, including life choices like diet, sedentary lifestyle, etc. However, most people are unaware that STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are one of the biggest factors affecting fertility.

STDs are infections and diseases that spread via sexual contact, and it’s prevalent in people who fail to protect themselves during sexual activity – be it oral or vaginally. It’s also possible that the infections can spread with intimate physical contact.

Some sexually transmitted infections are easily treated and cured, while others cannot be easily treated or cured. And, if a person has one STI, it can increase their chances of catching another (HIV). Since the STI causes the immune system to develop a response to the genital area or develop genital sores, it increases the possibility of HIV transmission.

If any STI is left untreated, it can cause some kinds of cancer, organ damage, infertility and even death. For men, an untreated STD (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV) can and will lead to erectile dysfunction. Viral hepatitis will also cause infections to occur in the prostate gland.

What STDs Affect Male Fertility?

Men value their sexual drive, and the thought of losing their ability to have sex can scare them. If this is you, you need to know that STDs can severely impact your sex drive.

Chlamydia

This STD isn’t always obvious, and when it’s untreated, it can lower the sperm’s quality and mobility. This makes it harder for a man to get a woman pregnant.

Gonorrhea

This bacteria can affect not only men but women as well. It can also be found in the throat, rectum and urethra.

Genital Herpes

There is currently no cure for genital herpes. The most common symptom is blisters around the genitalia, which suddenly appear and disappear. Since the virus never leaves the body, blisters can break out whenever.

Syphilis

This bacterial infection is common on the mouth, rectum and genitals.

HIV/AIDS

HIV transmission occurs through blood or body fluid transmission, and even though there are methods to control the virus but no cure as of yet.

How To Recognize Symptoms Of STDs

STDs may show little to no symptoms, which makes them challenging to diagnose. The following signs could indicate an STD infection:

  • Unusual penile discharge
  • Mouth sores or blisters
  • Constant or painful urination
  • Redness and itching in the genital region
  • Unusual smell in the private region
  • Fever
  • Stomach pain
  • Bleeding and/or soreness

Bacteria, parasites and viruses cause STIs and are genetically transmitted. The following diseases are caused by a virus:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Herpes
  • HPV
  • HHV-8

The following diseases are caused by a parasite:

  • Trichomonas
  • Scabies
  • Lice

How To Prevent an STD Infection

The only way to prevent yourself from getting an STD is to refrain from having sex. However, if you partake in sexual activity, there are a few things that you can do:

  • Use water-based lubricants
  • Use condoms with other barriers to keep from having direct contact
  • Get health check-ups often
  • Get tested often

Anybody – no matter their age – can suffer from infertility. This is why it’s imperative to live a healthy lifestyle – eating right and getting in some type of physical activity. If you believe you’re suffering from an STD, it’s important to see your doctor and get confirmation. Once you are diagnosed with an STD, your doctor will begin treatment for your condition.

Written by Mark Riegel, MD

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