Can chlamydia cause infertility?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). In the year 2021, there were about 1,644,416 reported cases in the U.S. In fact, it is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the country. It can be found in both women and men, although research suggests that the prevalence is higher for women.

You may have heard that chlamydia has the potential to cause infertility. Is it true? You can find out more information about chlamydia and its connection to infertility in the sections below.

What should I know about chlamydia?

If you’ve never researched chlamydia, you can find some basics here. We’ll review some of the essential things you need to know about this sexually transmitted disease below.

• How it spreads — Chlamydia is an easily spread and easily preventable sexually transmitted disease. It most often spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with another person with chlamydia. It can be spread through sexual contact and doesn’t require ejaculation to spread. It can also be spread through childbirth.

• How it can be prevented — The only way you can’t get infected with chlamydia is by not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Using condoms or being in a monogamous relationship with someone who does not have chlamydia can reduce your risk of getting this STD.

• When to get tested — It’s generally recommended that sexually active women get tested for chlamydia every year and that anyone who thinks they may be experiencing the symptoms of chlamydia get tested right away.

• What the symptoms are — Interestingly, most people with chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms. In cases where symptoms become noticeable, it’s usually several weeks after the infection. Some of the symptoms associated with chlamydia include pain when using the bathroom, abnormal discharge, pain in the pelvic region, and bleeding unrelated to menstruation.

Can chlamydia cause infertility?

In short, yes, chlamydia has the potential to cause infertility in women. Untreated chlamydia can significantly affect women’s reproductive health, even if the symptoms aren’t initially observable. This sexually transmitted disease has the potential to lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause several complications affecting fertility and pregnancy. 

Examples of the effects of PID from chlamydia include:

• Infertility.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Long-term pelvic pain.
• Scar tissue buildup in reproductive organs.

Chlamydia rarely affects men’s fertility, but it isn’t impossible. In very rare cases, it can affect the testes and lead to infertility in men.

What other types of sexually transmitted infections can potentially cause infertility?

• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• Syphilis.
• Gonorrhea.

Why should you consider treatment for your STDs and infertility?

If you’ve ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia and you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s a good idea to meet with a trusted medical professional or fertility specialist. Some STIs have the ability to cause infertility, and so those who’ve had them and are trying to conceive may need extra assistance. 

Fertility specialists have the expertise and experience to help those with a history of STIs increase their odds of becoming pregnant and carrying that pregnancy to full term. At Fertility Cloud, our virtual fertility specialists can use several methods to improve your chances at conception, including trigger shots, hormone therapy, monitoring, thyroid management, and more.

Why should you trust Fertility Cloud to treat your STD-related infertility?

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists out there to provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you’re looking for more information on virtual infertility doctors and treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll do our best to help you. We’ve seen plenty of patients who have also struggled with infertility from an STD. We’re confident that we can positively impact your fertility journey.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

While we work diligently to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available, it’s important to remember that every individual’s fertility journey is unique. The advice and content on this blog are intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Fertility-related concerns should always be addressed by a licensed healthcare provider who can assess your personal health history and offer tailored advice. It is crucial to seek professional medical guidance to ensure that any treatments or recommendations align with your individual needs. Please consult with your doctor or a fertility specialist for a more personalized and thorough evaluation.

Can Plan B make you infertile?

Plan B is a brand of levonorgestrel “morning-after” pill that can be taken anywhere up to five days after unprotected sex. This morning-after pill can reduce a woman’s chance of pregnancy by 75% to 89%. It’s most effective when it’s taken immediately after unprotected sex occurs and is generally recommended to be taken within 3 days after unprotected sex. Waiting extended periods of time after sex to take the morning-after pill reduces its efficacy. It’s important to note that Plan B might not work for women who weigh over 165 pounds. Plan B and other levonorgestrel pills are considered emergency contraceptives that prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation. 

Some people believe that taking Plan B can lead to infertility or impair a woman’s fertility. Is this actually true? You can find out if Plan B affects fertility in women by reading the information below.

Is it true that taking Plan B can eventually lead to infertility?

The idea that Plan B will affect your fertility or somehow make you less fertile is a myth. Taking Plan B after unprotected sex will not make you less fertile and will not affect any future pregnancy attempts. Morning-after pills contain the same synthetic hormone that’s in birth control, just in a higher dose. It’s designed to slow or prevent ovulation before it happens and does not work after someone has ovulated. Many people believe that Plan B works by affecting fertilization or implantation, which research suggests isn’t true. Simply put, Plan B doesn’t affect your fertility. It just temporarily slows or stops ovulation so that your body can’t release an egg that could become fertilized.

Some of the most common symptoms women experience following an emergency contraceptive pill include the following:

• Nausea.
• Tender breasts.
• Cramps.
• Headaches.

These symptoms are relatively typical to experience and don’t indicate any long-term effects on fertility.

It is worth noting, however, that some women who take the Plan B morning-after pill may experience abnormal period symptoms for their first period after the pill. They may notice their periods arrive earlier or later than expected. They may also experience a heavier or lighter flow than normal. This isn’t the case for all women, though. You can typically expect your period to return to your normal after the first one occurs. 

Frequent use of morning-after pills is more likely to interrupt your regular menstrual cycles, which is why it should only be used as an emergency contraceptive. If you’d prefer to be sexually active without becoming pregnant, it’s generally recommended that you use forms of birth control like an IUD, patch, daily birth control pill, ring, condoms, or the shot. 

What are some of the primary causes of infertility?

If you’re someone who struggles with infertility or you think you may be infertile, you should consult with an infertility specialist who can help you. Infertility specialists are highly educated on the several causes of infertility and the best types of treatments for them. You can read through some of the most common causes of infertility listed below.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Thyroid disease.
• Endometriosis.
• Unexplained infertility.

Have you been diagnosed with any of these conditions? Do you worry about your ability to get pregnant in the future? Take a look at our reproductive health index and schedule a virtual consultation with one of our fertility specialists. Our fertility professionals can help guide you toward increased chances of conceiving through compassionate and thorough care.

Why should you trust Fertility Cloud to answer your questions on fertility?

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually, via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists out there to provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you’re looking for more information on virtual infertility doctors and treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll do our best to help you. If you have any other questions about emergency contraceptives and other forms of birth control, we can answer those too. It’s what we do.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

While we work diligently to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available, it’s important to remember that every individual’s fertility journey is unique. The advice and content on this blog are intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Fertility-related concerns should always be addressed by a licensed healthcare provider who can assess your personal health history and offer tailored advice. It is crucial to seek professional medical guidance to ensure that any treatments or recommendations align with your individual needs. Please consult with your doctor or a fertility specialist for a more personalized and thorough evaluation.

Introduction to infertility treatments

When a person or couple is diagnosed with infertility, it’s easy for them to feel defeated or want to give up hope. But it’s important to remember that infertility doesn’t mean that conception is a lost cause. There are a variety of infertility treatments that you can explore to assist you in your fertility journey and boost your chances of becoming pregnant. 

Once you start to learn about the different infertility treatments, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about which choice will work best. But that’s what we’re here for.

Read on to learn about the basics of infertility and the various infertility treatments that are available. By the end, you’ll have a better sense about the efficacy of each treatment so that you’re able to make the best choice.

What does it mean to be infertile?

A doctor will diagnose a couple or individual with infertility if they have been unable to conceive after one year of having sexual intercourse without a form of birth control. If the female is 35 or older, then they can be determined as infertile after six months. Infertility affects millions of men and women around the world. In fact, about 1 in 6 people are unable to conceive a child after one year, which adds up to about 17.5% of the adult population.

The likelihood of infertility is almost exactly the same for women and men, with about 9% of men and 11% of women struggling with fertility problems in the United States.

While the inability to conceive is the main symptom of infertility, it can also manifest through other signs. Potential symptoms of infertility in females include:

• Absent or irregular menstrual periods.
• Painful periods.
• Weight gain without cause.

Infertility in males can cause symptoms such as:

• Changes in sexual desire.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Pain, swelling or lumps in testicles.

4 infertility treatments and their efficacy

Even though infertility makes your journey to conception difficult, that doesn’t mean you should lose all hope. The good news is that there are plenty of treatments that doctors use to push past the barriers of infertility. But it’s important to determine which treatment will have the greatest chance of success.

There isn’t a guarantee of a successful pregnancy for any treatment. As you’ll be able to see from some of the options, the efficacy rate tends to increase when different treatments are combined. Your fertility specialist will determine which treatment is best for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

Here are four infertility treatments: 

1. Ovarian stimulation (OS) — The first step in many fertility treatments is the prescription of medication to help stimulate ovulation. Your fertility specialist will typically recommend oral tablets of clomiphene citrate or letrozole to increase the number of ovulated eggs from the fallopian tube. Both types of prescriptions have similar efficacy. Pregnancy that’s caused by OS will likely occur in the first three months.

2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)— This procedure involves sperm being directly implanted into the uterus. The goal is to increase the number of healthy sperm cells that could possibly fertilize an egg in the fallopian tubes. When OS and IUI are combined, they have an efficacy rate of up to 20%.

3. Trigger shot — In addition to an IUI and OS, your fertility specialist may recommend an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is a hormone that assists in the release of multiple mature eggs that are waiting in your ovaries. To get the best timing, the trigger shot is administered during an ultrasound. A study showed that when an IUI is done in conjunction with an HCG shot, the success rate of pregnancy is about 18.2%.

4. In vitro fertilization (IVF) — IVF is used as a treatment option for unexplained infertility when the other options haven’t been effective. IVF involves removing eggs from the ovaries to be fertilized by sperm in a lab. The efficacy of this treatment decreases as the female ages. The success rate is also dependent on how many eggs are retrieved. For example, a woman under 35 with 10 retrieved eggs has a success rate of more than 40%.

Fertility Cloud can help you determine the infertility treatments that will have the best efficacy

Being unable to conceive can take a toll on your mental and emotional health, and the uncertainty that comes from infertility treatments can add another layer of stress. But we’re here to help you determine the best infertility treatment for you to provide the highest efficacy rate.
If you’re ready to start exploring infertility treatments, contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Can birth control cause infertility?

Birth control has always been a topic of discussion, and one question that frequently arises is whether it can cause infertility. In this article, we will explore the mechanism of birth control, dispel common myths, delve into the science behind hormonal contraceptives, consider expert opinions, and discuss the role of age and duration of use. Finally, we will explore alternatives to hormonal birth control and what factors to consider when making decisions about contraception.

Understanding the Mechanism: How Birth Control Works

Before we can determine whether birth control can cause infertility, it’s important to understand how it works. Birth control methods, such as the pill, patch, ring, or implant, generally use hormones to suppress ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no release of an egg for fertilization, thus preventing pregnancy.

It is worth noting that some non-hormonal methods, like condoms, diaphragms, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), work by creating physical barriers or altering the environment within the uterus, making it less conducive to fertilization or implantation.

Moreover, the effectiveness of birth control methods can vary depending on factors such as consistency of use, individual health conditions, and interactions with other medications. For instance, missing a dose of the pill or not using a condom correctly can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Understanding the nuances of each method and following the prescribed guidelines are crucial in maximizing their contraceptive benefits.

Additionally, advancements in contraceptive technology have led to the development of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like hormonal IUDs and implants, which provide extended protection with minimal user intervention. These methods offer a convenient and highly effective option for individuals seeking long-term birth control solutions.

Common Myths About Birth Control and Fertility

There are several misconceptions surrounding birth control and fertility. One common myth is that birth control pills or other hormonal methods permanently affect a woman’s fertility. This is not true. Most women regain their fertility shortly after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives.

Additionally, some believe that using birth control for many years can decrease fertility in the long run. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

It’s important to separate fact from fiction when considering the impact of birth control on fertility to make informed decisions about contraception.

Another prevalent myth is that using birth control methods such as the intrauterine device (IUD) can lead to infertility. In reality, IUDs are highly effective forms of contraception that do not have a long-term impact on fertility. Once the IUD is removed, a woman’s fertility typically returns to normal levels.

Furthermore, there is a misconception that emergency contraception, often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” causes infertility. Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation and does not have any lasting effects on a woman’s fertility. It is designed to be a backup option for preventing pregnancy and does not impact future fertility.

The Science Behind Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, ring, or injection, contain synthetic hormones that mimic the natural hormones found in a woman’s body. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus.

While hormonal contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not have any long-term impact on a woman’s fertility. Once a woman stops using hormonal birth control, her body will resume its normal hormonal balance and fertility.

It’s important to note that hormonal contraceptives can also provide additional benefits beyond birth control. For example, they are often prescribed to help manage menstrual cycle irregularities, reduce menstrual cramps, and even improve acne in some cases. The hormones in these contraceptives can help regulate hormone levels in the body, leading to more predictable and lighter periods for many women.

Furthermore, the development of hormonal contraceptives has been a significant advancement in reproductive health. These methods have given women more control over their reproductive choices and have contributed to a decline in unintended pregnancies worldwide. Research continues to explore new formulations and delivery methods to make hormonal contraceptives even more convenient and effective for women of all ages.

Expert Opinions: What Gynecologists Say

When it comes to the question of whether birth control can cause infertility, it’s important to consider the opinions of medical experts. Gynecologists and reproductive health specialists agree that there is no evidence to suggest that hormonal birth control leads to infertility.

Medical professionals often reassure their patients that fertility typically returns promptly after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives. In fact, for some women, coming off birth control can even result in a temporary surge in fertility.

Furthermore, gynecologists emphasize the importance of individual factors in fertility. While birth control methods like the pill, patch, or IUD do not impact long-term fertility, other factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle choices can play a significant role in a person’s ability to conceive.

It’s also worth noting that gynecologists recommend discussing fertility concerns with a healthcare provider to address any specific questions or uncertainties. Open communication with a medical professional can help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning goals.

The Role of Age and Duration of Use

Although birth control itself does not cause infertility, factors such as age and the duration of use may influence fertility outcomes. Women who delay pregnancy until later in life may experience age-related fertility decline whether they have used birth control or not.

Long-term use of certain types of birth control, such as the Depo-Provera shot, may cause a temporary delay in the return of fertility. However, this delay is generally not permanent and can be resolved with time.

It’s important to note that age can play a significant role in fertility, as women are born with a set number of eggs that decrease in both quantity and quality as they age. This natural decline in fertility can be further impacted by external factors such as smoking, obesity, and certain medical conditions.

Additionally, the duration of birth control use can vary greatly among individuals and may have different effects on fertility. Some forms of birth control, like the contraceptive pill, may allow for a quicker return to fertility once discontinued, while others, like intrauterine devices (IUDs), offer immediate fertility upon removal.

Alternatives to Hormonal Birth Control: What to Consider

While hormonal birth control is a widely used and effective contraceptive method, it may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternatives available for those who prefer non-hormonal options or have concerns about their impact on fertility.

Non-hormonal methods, like condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, and fertility awareness methods, can provide effective contraception without affecting fertility. It’s important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to find the best choice based on individual needs and preferences.

When considering non-hormonal options, it’s essential to understand how each method works and its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Condoms, for example, not only provide contraception but also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Diaphragms, on the other hand, are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and block sperm from reaching the egg. Copper IUDs work by releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization.

Additionally, fertility awareness methods involve tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine fertile days and avoid unprotected intercourse during that time. While these methods can be highly effective when followed correctly, they require a strong commitment to tracking and monitoring one’s cycle.

In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that birth control causes infertility. Understanding the mechanism of birth control, dispelling common myths, considering expert opinions, and taking into account factors like age and duration of use can help individuals make informed decisions about contraception. There are alternatives available for those who prefer non-hormonal options or have concerns about fertility. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable method of birth control for individual needs.