It is important to realize that these myths are false. Anyone can catch an STD, no matter where they live or what they look like. And you can't always tell if someone has an STD, because symptoms are often invisible. This is why it is important to educate yourself about STDs and to always follow safe sex practices.
STDs and Infertility
Some STDs can have serious effects on your reproductive system, especially if you leave them untreated. Unfortunately, because many STDs cause only minor symptoms, many infected men and women do not get the necessary treatment. As a result, a large number of people suffer the effects of STD-induced infertility.
The majority of men who are infected with an STD exhibit symptoms soon after infection. This means that, on the whole, most men do seek treatment in time to prevent any damage to their infertility. However, this is not always the case. Every year, 500 000 men develop epididymitis as a result of STD infection. Epididymitis causes inflammation in the one of the vessels which transports semen from the testicles. Epididymitis can result in the complete blockage of these vessels, causing male infertility.
Many women who contract STDs do not develop visible STD symptoms, and, as a result, are more likely not to seek prompt treatment. This can be a major cause of infertility. Some unaddressed STDs can cause an infection of the reproductive organs. Known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), this infection can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes making pregnancy difficult.
Preventing STDs
It is important to take all the necessary steps to help protect yourself from contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Here are some important tips to follow:
- Always engage in protected sexual intercourse.
- Get tested for STDs regularly by your health care provider.
- Talk with your sexual partners about their sexual health and past sexual activities.
| Table of Contents |
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| 1. STDs and infertility |
| 2. How STDs affect fertility |
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