Can STDs Cause Infertility? What You Should Know

When it comes to our reproductive health, there are so many things to keep in mind. One of the biggest concerns for many women is fertility — the ability to conceive and have children when we’re ready. But did you know that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect fertility? It’s a scary thought, but knowledge is power, and by understanding how STDs can impact fertility, you can take steps to protect yourself and your future.

Can STDs cause infertility?

Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to infertility when they go untreated for too long because they can damage both the male and female reproductive tract. 

The biggest culprits are chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most common bacterial infections. These infections often start in the cervix, but if they’re not treated in time, they can travel up into the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 

PID is a serious infection that can cause inflammation, scarring, and even blockages in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult (or even impossible) for an egg to meet sperm.

On the subject of sperm, it’s worth noting that STDs can affect male fertility as well. They can impact the reproductive system and make it harder for sperm to move along. This may result in lower sperm quality, count, and motility, and in some cases, it could lead to long-term infertility. Conversations around fertility often focus solely on women, but it’s important to recognize that male infertility plays a role just as often — after all, it takes two to tango.

Other STDs that can impact fertility

While chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common sexually transmitted diseases linked to infertility, they aren’t the only ones that can cause problems. Here are a few other infections to be aware of:

• Trichomoniasis: This parasitic infection can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of developing PID.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): While HPV itself doesn’t directly cause infertility, some high-risk strains can lead to cervical abnormalities that require medical treatment, which in rare cases can impact fertility.
• Syphilis: If left untreated, syphilis can cause complications during pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Herpes simplex virus: Genital herpes doesn’t cause infertility directly, but having active sores can increase the likelihood of passing infections to a newborn during childbirth.

What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is the link between untreated STDs and infertility. When bacteria from an STD move beyond the cervix and into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, they cause a painful infection. The body responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection, which can lead to scar tissue forming in the fallopian tubes. This scarring can block the tubes completely or cause them to become too narrow for an egg to pass through properly. This is known as tubal factor infertility.

If an egg can’t travel down the fallopian tube to meet sperm, fertilization can’t happen. Even if fertilization does occur, a blocked or damaged tube increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening and always require medical intervention.

The silent nature of some STDs

One of the most concerning things about sexually transmitted diseases is that they often don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Many women with chlamydia or gonorrhea infections don’t experience any warning signs, which means they might not seek treatment right away. The longer these infections are left untreated, the more damage they can do.

For example, chlamydia is sometimes called the "silent infection" because about 70% of women with it don’t experience any symptoms. Gonorrhea can also be sneaky, with only mild symptoms (if any) that can easily be mistaken for something else, like a yeast infection or minor irritation. That’s why regular STD testing is so important — even if you feel perfectly fine!

How can you protect your fertility?

Infertility is a multifactorial condition, so there can be different reasons why you’re having trouble conceiving naturally. That said, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and safeguard your reproductive health. 

1. Get regular STD tests

Since many STDs don’t cause obvious symptoms, regular testing is crucial — especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active women under 25 get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year — or more often if they have multiple sexual partners. If you have a new partner or think you might have been exposed, get tested as soon as possible. You can get tested at your healthcare provider’s office, or from the comfort of your own home using Evvy’s Vaginal Microbiome & STD Test.

2. Practice safe sex

Using condoms or dental dams correctly every time you have sex (yes, even oral sex) can dramatically reduce your risk of contracting an STD. While condoms aren’t 100% foolproof, they’re one of the best tools we have for STD prevention.

3. Get vaccinated

There are vaccines available for some STDs, including HPV and hepatitis B. The HPV vaccine can protect against the strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts, so if you haven’t gotten it yet, it’s worth looking into.

4. Know your partner’s status

Having open and honest conversations with your partner about STD testing is essential (albeit, admittedly, a bit awkward). Before becoming sexually active with a new partner, consider getting tested together to ensure you’re both on the same page.

5. Seek treatment immediately

If you do test positive for an STD, don’t panic. Most bacterial STDs, like chlamydia infections, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be easily treated with antibiotics. The key is to take all of your prescribed medication and follow up with your doctor to ensure the infection is completely cleared. If you have a partner, they should also get treated to prevent reinfection.

Can you still get pregnant after an STD?

Many women who have had an STD are still able to conceive without any problems, especially if the infection was caught early and treated properly. However, if an STD leads to PID or causes scarring in the fallopian tubes, it may take longer to get pregnant or require medical intervention, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or surgery to remove scar tissue.

If you’re struggling to conceive and have a history of STDs, it’s a good idea to talk to a fertility specialist. They can run tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes and discuss treatment options to help improve your chances of pregnancy.

STDs are more common than many people realize, but they don’t have to define your future. By taking steps to prevent infections, getting regular check-ups, and seeking prompt treatment if needed, you can protect both your reproductive health and your ability to have children when the time is right.

If you haven’t had an STD screening recently, consider making an appointment or ordering an Evvy test — it’s a simple step that could make a huge difference in your future fertility. 

FAQ

How long can you have an STD before becoming infertile?

The time it takes for an STD to potentially lead to infertility can vary quite a bit based on the specific infection, how a person's immune system responds, and whether any complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease, arise. Common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can start causing issues within just a few months if they’re not treated. The tricky part is that many people don’t have symptoms, so they might not realize they have these infections for years. The longer these infections go untreated, the higher the chance of developing long-term problems, such as scarring in the fallopian tubes that can make it harder to get pregnant. PID can sometimes develop quickly after an infection, while in other cases, the effects build up over time. That’s why regular STD testing and addressing any issues early on can be such important steps in protecting your fertility.

Can a person with an STI get cured?

Yes, many sexually transmitted infections can be cured, while others can be managed effectively with treatment. Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be completely cured with antibiotics if treated early. Parasitic infections like trichomoniasis are also curable with medication. However, viral STIs such as herpes, and HIV can’t be cured, but they can be managed with antiviral medications and other treatments to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of transmission. The key to preventing complications and protecting overall health is early detection, proper medical treatment, and regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider.

Is having an STD a big deal?

Having an STD can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that STDs are common and manageable with the right care. STDs feel like a “big deal” because of the stigma attached to them, but at the end of the day, they’re no different from a sinus infection. The key is prevention, testing, and treatment. While some infections can cause serious health issues if left untreated — such as fertility problems, chronic pelvic pain, or complications during pregnancy — many STDs are easily treated and cured with medication. Even those that can’t be cured, like herpes or HIV, can be managed effectively with treatment, allowing people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. The key is early detection through regular testing, open communication with partners, and taking steps to protect yourself. There’s no shame in having an STD, what matters most is looking after your reproductive health.

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