Study Links Chlamydia To Male Infertility
A study conducted in 2019 by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology provided evidence of a connection between male infertility and the Chlamydia bacterial infection.
It has been known that the Chlamydia bacteria can infect various parts of the male body. One particular part of the interest in this study was the testicles.
There were 18 donors part of the study. A testicular biopsy was taken from all the male participants in the study. Researchers found Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria present in 12 of these testicular biopsies that were taken.
All these cases accounted for men who had not been diagnosed with Chlamydia in the past. The male patients also had no obvious signs of this sexually transmitted infection previously.
The men tested in the study had no obvious physical cause behind infertility they suffered. In the same study, previously obtained testicular biopsies were tested. A total of 95 male participants had biopsies taken from them. The Chlamydia bacteria were detected in 45.3% of these biopsies too.
Pid And Tubal Factor Infertility
PID is most often caused by the STDs gonorrhea or chlamydia when bacteria enter the reproductive system. PID causes scarring of the cervix, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. If left untreated, PID can cause irreversible damage resulting in infertility.
Problems with the fallopian tubes is a leading cause of female infertility and such problems can be caused by STDs. PID is one cause of what is called tubal factor infertility. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine reports that 25%35% of female infertility is due to tubal factors. If the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, this can result in infertility in two ways: it can prevent sperm from reaching the egg in the fallopian tube for fertilization, and it can prevent a fertilized egg from entering the uterus to implant for pregnancy.
Shanna lost her fallopian tubes but not her hope of having a child
Fertility Treatments After Chlamydia
IVI are world leaders in treating difficult cases of infertility, and we apply our expertise and knowledge to even the most extreme situations. Each patient is treated as an individual and approached with the care and sensitivity that is expected in this field. Many will be delighted to hear that untreated chlamydia does not necessarily mean that it is impossible for a couple to conceive. With a little assistance from one of our clinics, many patients are able to see their dream of having a family come true.
IVF is a popular choice for those suffering from the after-effects of chlamydia. For women who may have scarring on their fallopian tubes, the process is ideal. The egg is collected from the ovary, fertilised and then implanted straight into the uterus. This makes it possible to circumvent any issues that the patient may have with blocked fallopian tubes or with tubal ligation. It also rules out any chance of ectopic pregnancy. Male patients may find that the speed and mobility of their sperm has been affected by chlamydia. Where this is the case it may be beneficial to take the sperm directly from the testes, rather than collecting it via ejaculate. This means that the best quality sperm can be taken straight from the source and used to fertilise the egg, which is then implanted into the uterus.
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How Does Chlamydia Cause Infertility
Infertility can be defined as the inability to get pregnant despite frequent unprotected sex over the course of one year. In western countries like the UK, about 15% of couples are infertile. Men are responsible for the couples infertility in half of these cases.
Infertility can be caused by a combination of factors that stop a pregnancy from happening. This is usually the result of genetic factors and environmental factors .
The rise of obesity in rich countries has contributed to the rise in infertility rates, because women who are obese tend not to ovulate as efficiently as those who are not overweight.
Proportion Of Pid Cases Caused By C Trachomatis
The observed numbers of PID cases in the intervention and control group are presumed to be a mixture of PID cases caused by C. trachomatis and by other microorganisms. We assume that a certain proportion x of PID cases in the control group is caused by chlamydia and that the amount caused by other microorganisms is the same in both groups. In the simulated trial it is assumed that the intervention only reduces the incidence of chlamydial PID.
The model estimates the cumulative incidence of chlamydial PID for the intervention group and for the control group . We get the overall cumulative incidence of PID cases in the intervention group and in the control group by using the proportion of PID cases caused by chlamydia , as follows:
where is the contribution of PID caused by other microorganisms. Note that to obtain the overall cumulative incidence for PID cases it is required that x> 0.
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Can Infertility From Chlamydia Be Reversed
As mentioned above, when chlamydia goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease . PID can cause permanent damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the surrounding tissues which can cause infertility. If PID is diagnosed early, however, it can be treated. And although treatment cant undo any damage that has already been done, it can reduce the risk of any further complications.
Its important to note that it is possible to get PID again even if you have already had it. In fact, according to the CDC, youre more likely to get PID if you have had it before.
How Often Does Pid Cause Infertility
PID can cause a number of complications, including:
- Tubo-ovarian abscess, or TOA
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Tubal factor infertility
PID can permanently scar the fallopian tubes, which blocks the tubes. About 12% of women become infertile after one episode of PID. After three PID episodes, the rate of infertility jumps to 50%.
Along with infertility, PID can also cause an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg gets trapped in the fallopian tube and starts to grow. If left untreated, the tube may burst and cause internal bleeding or even death.
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How Does Chlamydia Affect Fertility
Chlamydia is an insidious disease, often called the silent killer due to its lack of outward symptoms. Infected persons can go for weeks, months, or even years without knowing that they have contracted the STI. They may continue to spread it, unaware that they even have it. This leads to an increasing rate of spread, especially in those aged under 25. It is possible for women, in particular, to mistake thesymptoms of chlamydia, if they do present, for those of something less serious. Lower back pain, fever and nausea may all be explained away rather than taken seriously. Unfortunately, during this time chlamydia attacks the body, often having an irreversible effect on key functions such as vision and reproduction. For men the disease is symptomless in around half of cases, but their fertility can be hampered regardless. Once detected Chlamydia is easy enough to treat, with antibiotics. Those with diminished fertility due to chlamydia infection may be suitable for and benefit from fertility treatments including In Vitro Fertilisation .
Chlamydia In Testicular Tissue Linked To Male Infertility
- Date:
- Queensland University of Technology
- Summary:
- The potential impact of undiagnosed sexually transmitted chlamydia infection on mens fertility has been highlighted in a study, which for the first time found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men whose infertility had no identified cause.
The potential impact of undiagnosed sexually transmitted chlamydia infection on mens fertility has been highlighted in a study led by Queensland University of Technology , which for the first time found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men whose infertility had no identified cause.
The researchers also found antibodies specific to the bacteria responsible, Chlamydia trachomatis, in the blood of 12 of 18 donors of the fresh testicular biopsies, indicating the men had been exposed to the bacteria yet none of the men reported symptoms of infection or being previously diagnosed with chlamydia or any other sexually-transmitted infection .
The study, in collaboration with Monash IVF Group, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Health, and Queensland Fertility Group, has been published in the journal Human Reproduction.
Key findings:
Research leader QUT Professor of Immunology Ken Beagley, from the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, said chlamydia infection in men has not been as widely studied as it has in women, despite similar infection rates.
Understanding a cause is the first step in being able to do something about it.
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Q2 What Happens If Chlamydia Goes Untreated For 6 Months
If chlamydia goes untreated for months, then a person might start facing different complications. Chlamydia and infertility are very closely linked to each other. So, if someone goes untreated for as long as 6 months, that person might face some complications like PID , which can cause infertility. Apart from that, it can also cause other issues like tubal pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain, and others.
How Long Does Chlamydia Take To Make You Infertile
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Is An Std The Reason You Are Not Getting Pregnant
by Dr. John Preston Parry | Jan 23, 2018 | Doctor’s Blog
Sexually transmitted diseases are running rampant, causing infertility in the process. This may seem scary, but we are specially equipped to find and address STD-related infertility, even if it happened a long time ago.
It is ironic that the more youve had sex in your past, the less fertile you may be, particularly if condoms werent used. Sexually transmitted diseases can make both women and men infertile, though it seems to affect women more. Up to 85 percent of women that have had chlamydia dont realize theyve had it.
Moreover, the South has some of the highest rates of STDs in the United States. Other areas of the U.S. with high rates of infections include Alaska, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
STDs can not only affect mothers and fathers, but even their children . A single event of pelvic inflammatory disease can cause 20 percent of women to have blocked fallopian tubes, as well as a 20 percent rate of chronic pelvic pain. Even if the fallopian tubes arent completely closed, they can still have damage that can be missed. Were fortunate at Positive Steps Fertility to provide our Parryscope fertility evaluation that thoroughly examines the fallopian tubes, as well as uterine health and ovarian reserve, often picking up problems other doctors have missed.
Related information: Having trouble getting pregnant? Whether due to STDs or other causes, we can help. So please make an appointment.
The Spread Of Chlamydia
This particular STI is much more common in young people under the age of 25. The spread is more rapid among young women in particular. This may have something to do with the advent of hormonal birth control, as those taking it may be more likely to have sex without a condom. This may leave them exposed to infection. Though the pill, implant, coil and other forms of hormonal birth control prevent pregnancy, they offer no protection against STIs. Gonorrhoea and syphilis are also on the rise, but chlamydia remains the most commonly reported STI in Europe. Gay men are also susceptible to the disease in their throats and rectums, though women who are exclusively lesbian have a rate of diagnosis of less than 1%. It is recommended that sexually active people under the age of 25 get tested for chlamydia, and other STIs, at least once a year. The test is non-invasive and not painful. Treatment for chlamydia is relatively straightforward: a course of antibiotics can usually clear the infection up.
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Chlamydia Can Lead To Infertility
A lot of us don’t realize that some sexually transmitted diseases can cause no symptoms, meaning you could have an STD and not know it. And some STDs can silently lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.
Chlamydia is one of those diseases. CDC estimates that more than 2.8 million people are infected each year.
Chlamydia is most common in sexually active young adults. More than half of all infections involve people ages 18 to 24. You can get chlamydia during oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact with an infected partner. The disease can cause penile discharge in men and infertility in women. It can also cause serious health problems in newborn babies of infected mothers.
Many women, and some men, are infected with chlamydia but don’t know it. Even without symptoms, the disease can cause complications, particularly infertility. The longer the infection is untreated, the more damage that can be done.
If symptoms do show up, they usually occur within weeks of exposure. Men and women may face painful urination, an abnormal discharge from the urethra, or both. Women also may have abdominal pain, bleeding, and an abnormal discharge from the vagina. Symptoms usually appear within one to three weeks after being infected and may be very mild.
In pregnant women, chlamydia can cause premature delivery, the CDC says. A child born to an infected woman can develop an infection in their eyes and respiratory tracts.
Chlamydia: From Whom How Long Ago And What About My Fertility
Given that Chlamydia is the most common of the reportable sexually transmitted infection/sexually transmitted disease we get many questions here at WebMD from very worried women. The most concerned questions tend to be focused on how/when the infection was acquired, and what impact will it have on future fertility. The following is a summary of the answers to those questions, and some related issues as well.
Who Gave Me Chlamydia?
If you are a sexually active woman aged twenty five years or lessand especially if you are aged less than twentyyou are a part of the largest Chlamydia infection demographic. If you are a female performing receptive oral, anal, or vaginal sex you can get Chlamydia, if secretion contact is present. Thus you need to be honest with your GYN about your sexual practices so you can be screened for possible Chlamydia infections of the pharynx, rectum, or vagina/cervix. Chlamydia can be passed between both heterosexual, and same sex couples-although its incidence is less than 1% in women who are exclusively lesbian.
How Long Ago Did I Get Chlamydia?
How Will Chlamydia Affect MY Fertility?
In this same study it was determined that the risk of PID caused infertility was tied to:
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Stds Affecting Infertility In Women And Male Infertility
STDs are a group of more than 20 diseases that can cause specific health complications. When these infections are left untreated, there can be irreversible damage present often leading to infertility.
The connection between STDs and male infertility is not completely clear, according to a report published by the National Institutes of Health. But they can have a direct effect on male sexual performance such as erectile dysfunction. A significant aspect of STDs in males affecting fertility is that the diseases are passed on to the female, causing infertility in her.
Stds That Indirectly Cause Infertility
Herpes simplex virus , human papillomavirus and syphilis can indirectly affect fertility. HSV can cause the couple to abstain from sexual intercourse, which limits the chances of becoming pregnant. HPV can cause genital warts that may take months or years to treat. And some strains of HPV can also lead to cervical cancer or precancerous cells, the treatment of which can affect fertility. Syphilis if left untreated can affect infertility in women and men.
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How To Prevent Chlamydia Causing Complications
The best way to prevent chlamydia from causing complications is by detecting the symptoms as soon as possible. However, mostly chlamydia does not show any symptoms in the early stages. But there are times when this condition does not show any symptoms at all. So, it becomes very hard to know that you have it.
Most women ask how long can you have chlamydia before it causes damage after they find out they are suffering from the condition. If you want to find out before it is too late, then you need to do a routine test at the lab. In most cases, the healthcare provider takes a sample from the vagina or penis to analyze it. Another method is a urine sample, which is also very effective.
Which Stis Cause Infertility
Chlamydia & gonorrhoea
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are both bacterial STIs which are treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, however, they can cause fertility issues in women and possibly in men .
In women, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can spread to the womb, ovaries or fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease . In men it can cause epididymitis – an inflammation of the tube that stores and transports sperm from the testicle. In England in 2020, about 0.6% of chlamydia cases led to PID or epididymitis.
Not only can PID cause chronic pelvic pain , it can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant. This is because the infection can lead to scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, making it impossible for eggs to travel through.
Risk of infertility from untreated chlamydia
How common infertility is, depends on lots of different things. In the UK it’s thought that as many as 1 in 7 heterosexual couples will experience infertility.
Chlamydia can cause infertility – it tends to cause problems with the fallopian tubes . The fallopian tubes transport the egg from the ovary to the womb. If the tube is blocked or the ‘conveyor belt system’ does not work well, the egg cant travel to the womb and it will not be fertilised.
Risk of infertility from HIV
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