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10 August 2023
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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.

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.