Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeFactsHow Long Till Chlamydia Makes You Infertile

How Long Till Chlamydia Makes You Infertile

Contact Us To Chat With A Fertility Advisor

Chlamydia 101: know the facts!

The most important thing to know about infertility caused by undiscovered and untreated STIs is just thatits preventable. The infections that can lead to infertility, namely gonorrhea and chlamydia, are among the most common and most treatable, so testing and treatment can prevent the complications that can damage reproductive organs and leave a woman infertile.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both bacterial infections spread through sexual contact that can affect both men and women and are some of the most common STIs seen by doctors an estimated 2.86 million cases of chlamydia and 820,000 cases of gonorrhea occur annually in the United States. More often than not, an infected woman has no symptomsbut unfortunately, even asymptomatic infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. Doctors estimate that up to 40% of women who contract chlamydia or gonorrhea and dont properly treat the infection will wind up with PID, and up to half of PID cases are estimated by the CDC to be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.

Heres how PID happens: when a woman is infected with one of these STIs, microorganisms can travel upward from her cervix or vagina to the other reproductive organs, causing them to be infected, as well. The PID, in turn, can cause scar tissue on the fallopian tubes that blocks the pathway of the egg released from the ovary, preventing natural pregnancy and causing infertility.

Does Chlamydia Make You Tired

In the later stages of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, people often complain about being extremely tired. Along with these infections, fatigue can also be caused by Hepatitis A, B, or C. Associating fatigue with having a busy lifestyle is not a good idea as it can be a symptom of a Sexually Transmitted Disease.

What Happens If Chlamydia Goes Untreated

If a person is not treated for chlamydia, complications may occur. Women frequently develop pelvic inflammatory disease . PID can cause infertility , chronic pelvic pain, tubal pregnancies, and the continued spread of the disease. In men, untreated chlamydia can cause urethral infection and complications such as swollen and tender testicles. Chlamydia infection during pregnancy may result in premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery and possible tubal pregnancy in a small percent of women. In addition, chlamydia can cause conjunctival and pneumonic infection in the newborn. Persons with a chlamydia infection have an increased chance of getting other infections such as gonorrhea or HIV.

Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Antibiotics For Chlamydia Walgreens

Which Is A Priority Nursing Intervention When Caring For The Patient With Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Interventions to treat PID include antibiotic therapy, abstaining from sexual intercourse for three weeks, and administration of analgesics for pain. Patients should be taught to check their temperature twice a day and to immediately contact their healthcare provider if there is an increase in temperature.

Other Conditions Leading To Infertility

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Can Make You Infertile

Other conditions that could lead to infertility include:

  • Cancer
  • Problems in the brain centre that controls the hormones which regulate the male reproductive organs.

To identify the cause of infertility in any specific case, the commonest test is the Semen analysis which identifies:

  • The quality of the sperm
  • The quantity of the sperm
  • The activity of the sperm i.e. ability of the sperm to move effectively towards a mature egg and fertilise it.

Dont Miss: Can I Buy Chlamydia Treatment Over The Counter

Recommended Reading: Chlamydia And Gc Urine Test

How Long Can You Have Chlamydia Before It Causes Damage

Symptoms usually appear within one to three weeks after being infected and may be very mild. If not treated, chlamydia can lead to damage to the reproductive system. In women, chlamydial infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease , according to the CDC.

Chlamydia Reduces Male Fertility By Ravaging Sperm

By Roxanne Khamsi

Chlamydia the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US and UK causes dramatic genetic damage in sperm leading to male infertility, a new study suggests.

Men with chlamydia have more than three times the normal level of DNA fragmentation in their sperm, report researchers. However, results from the study also indicate that appropriate antibiotic treatment can help restore the genetic integrity of these mens sperm as well as their fertility.

Until recently, doctors believed that chlamydia threatened womens fertility only. The bacteria responsible for the disease, Chlamydia trachomatis can cause a womans fallopian tubes to become blocked or scarred, making it difficult or impossible to conceive a child.

A study published in 2004 involving Swedish couples seeking infertility treatment found that men with chlamydia infection were less likely to father a child. But researchers have lacked good evidence about why men with the disease develop fertility trouble and how to reverse the problem.

Read Also: Can My Partner Get Chlamydia If I Have It

Bacterial Genotypes And Virulence Factors

Different strains of CT have been described based on genome sequencing and the antigenic properties of the major outer membrane protein . There are more than 20 distinct serovars of CT currently identified, on the basis of monoclonal antibody-based typing assays . In general, CTs have been grouped into three main pathobiotypes: ocular infections , sexually transmitted diseases , and lymphogranuloma venereum . Serovars A, B, and C have tropism for the ocular epithelium, causing from acute conjunctivitis to trachoma, a serious eye disease endemic in Africa and Asia that is characterized by chronic conjunctivitis and can lead to infectious blindness. Serovars D through K have emerged as the major causing agents of sexually transmitted diseases. They preferentially infect squamocolumnar epithelial cells of female reproductive system and the male genitourinary tract. E and D serovars are isolated from genital tract infections with the most frequency worldwide. Occasionally, they cause conjunctivitis or pneumonia in newborns infected during labor. Serovars L1 to L3 are responsible for a systemic illness, the lymphogranuloma venereum that is associated with genital ulcer disease in tropical countries .

Chlamydial strains and clinical diseases
Serovars

How Do I Know If My Husband Is Infertile

Chlamydia: Morphology, Types, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment

Although in most cases there wont be any visible symptoms apart from the absence of pregnancy, here are some signs that a man is infertile:Problems with ejaculation. Issues keeping an erection. Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicles. Inability to smell. Low sperm count. Small testicles. Abnormal breast growth.More items

You May Like: Can Gonorrhea Or Chlamydia Go Away On Its Own

All You Need To Know About Chlamydia And Infertility

Can Chlamydia cause infertility? Chlamydia is one of the common sexually transmitted diseases that is caused due to infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is among the most common STDs in the USA. According to estimates by the CDC , it affects 2.8 million people in America each year. Chlamydia may be transmitted via oral, anal or vaginal sex. It may also be transmitted from a female who is infected with the disease to her infant during childbirth. Any person who is sexually active can get infected with the bacterium. The risk of infection increases with the total number of partners you have sex with.

Can You Test Negative For Chlamydia And Still Have It

This is because the bacteria needs enough time to multiply within your body in order for it to reach a detectable level when taking a chlamydia test. For chlamydia this is often 14 days. If you test before that 14 days is over, you may test negative, but you could still pass the bacteria on following your test.

Read Also: At Home Chlamydia Test Amazon

What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia

Most men and women with chlamydia have no signs or symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread. Some people have the infection for many months or years without knowing it.

Women who get symptoms may have:

  • vaginal discharge
  • bleeding between periods or after sex
  • burning or pain when urinating
  • abdominal or pelvic pain
  • pain during sex

Men who get symptoms may have some clear discharge from the penis or pain during urination.

In rare cases, people with chlamydia have sore joints or inflammation of the eye .

Chlamydia In Testicular Tissue Linked To Male Infertility

Chlamydia Infection: Treatments &  Home Remedies
Date:
Queensland University of Technology
Summary:
The potential impact of undiagnosed sexually transmitted chlamydia infection on men’s 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 men’s 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.

Don’t Miss: Can I Have Chlamydia Without Discharge

Can Being Around A Pregnant Woman Make You More Fertile

The fertility experts that Healthline spoke to said a successful pregnancy involves many factors. But the notion that being around babies is enough to help a woman with known fertility issues become pregnant isnt a theory they prescribe to. There is zero evidence of this, other than anecdotes, Dr.

Spotting Signs Of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Although pelvic inflammatory disease may not cause any symptoms specific to the condition, many women may notice mild symptoms. These can include:

  • Pain during sex that is felt deep within the pelvis
  • Pain around the pelvis and lower abdomen
  • Pain during urination
  • Bleeding after sex and between periods
  • Heavy or painful periods

Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If You Have Oral Chlamydia

How To Detect Tubal Damage Due To Chlamydia

After discussing can Chlamydia cause infertility in females, lets discuss how can tubal damage due to Chlamydia be detected.

Tubal Obstruction at the end is detected by doing a hysterosalpingogram during which a dye is injected into the uterus and its spilling through the ends of the fallopian tubes indicates that the fallopian tubes are not blocked. Pelvic adhesions can be detected by doing a laparoscopy in which a telescope with a small camera at its one end is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen under anesthesia. Since it is an invasive procedure, it is done only when absolutely necessary.

Treatment

Treatment of fallopian tube blockage caused due to Chlamydia may be done in two ways. The physician may perform a procedure that is minimally invasive to clear the blockage of the fallopian tube. Then the pregnancy will either be allowed to happen naturally or with the aid of an oral medicine. The couple can also take the help of IVF, which overcomes the problem of fallopian tube blockage. The choice of treatment in a particular situation is dependent on the condition of the female and her preferences.

Men Are Responsible For About 20

What You Need to Know About Chlamydia

If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, just know you are not alone. Many people usually think that infertility is a problem only faced by women, but the reality is that male infertility is more common than you think. Generally, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a baby naturally. If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby for more than a year without success, you might want to speak to your doctor to discuss infertility.

According to the World Health Organization, male infertility is largely underestimated, and that infertility, in general, affects many people across the globe. While there is a lack of concrete data worldwide, researchers strongly believe that men alone are responsible for nearly 20-30% of infertility cases, and contribute to about half of all cases overall.

While there are numerous potential causes of infertility in men, including overall health, genetics and drug abuse, the latest evidence tends to suggest that sexually transmitted diseases, or simply STDs, have a role to play in male infertility.

Don’t Miss: How Do Men Get Tested For Chlamydia

What Can Be Done To Prevent The Spread Of Chlamydia

  • Limit your number of sex partners
  • Use a male or female condom
  • If you think you are infected or have been exposed, avoid any sexual contact and visit a local sexually transmitted disease clinic, a hospital or your doctor. Either bring your sex partners with you when you are treated or notify them immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.

Important Challenges: Prevention Diagnosis And Treatment Of Chlamydial Infections

The widespread incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, especially among young population, made them a priority public-health concern worldwide. Screening, control programmes, and education in sexual behavioral aspects and contraception are fundamental for the prevention of chlamydial infections and their long-term sequelae, mainly PID and tubal infertility.

Routine screening allows the identification of asymptomatic carriers of CT and contributes to the early detection of chlamydial infections. Appropriated diagnostic services are required to obtain reliable results. The most confident tests for the detection of CT involve nucleid acid amplification techniques that are not available in all laboratories, especially in third-world countries. Nucleic acid amplification tests are more sensitive than culture or antigen tests. Improvement in molecular diagnostics will lead to improvement in treatment and prevention of damage to reproductive tissues. It has been shown that screening is cost-effective even in low prevalence populations, due to the high costs of treatment of complications resulting from undiagnosed and untreated chlamydial infections . The implement of additional targeted screening of women at risk will contribute to reduce the CT-associated infertility.

Also Check: List Of Antibiotics For Chlamydia

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.

Can Pid Cause Not To Get Pregnant

Can You Die From Chlamydia? 4 Ways Chlamydia Kills MEN and ...

PID can make getting pregnant harder, and 1 in 10 women with the condition become infertile. Bacteria that make its way into the fallopian tubes can lead to inflammation, which causes scar tissue to form. And that scar tissue can create blockages in the tubes that make it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg.

You May Like: What It Feels Like To Have Chlamydia

Which Stds Can Cause Infertility

The problem is that some STDs dont come with identifiable symptoms so people can live with them for years without being aware of them. This increases the risk of developing complications like infertility or infecting future sex partners. Early detection is the best way to avoid such risk as infertility caused by STDs is highly preventable.

No Barrier To Children

The reality is that while chlamydia can be damaging to both men and women, having irreversible effects, they can still be overcome. While the odds may be stacked against sufferers or former sufferers trying to conceive naturally, IVI has a long history of assisting patients with more complex needs. Conceiving and giving birth following diagnosis of and treatment for chlamydia is absolutely possible. There are a range of fertility treatment options, of which IVF may be the most suitable, either with patients own genetic material or with donated eggs or sperm.

Chlamydia can affect fertility, but with the range of options and expertise available at IVI clinics worldwide, a past infection need not dash any hope of starting a family.

Recommended Reading: How To Tell If You Got Chlamydia

Chlamydia And Infertility: Who Is At Risk

To better understand the connection between PID, chlamydia and infertility, one study published in the British Medical Journal followed a group of women who were diagnosed with chlamydia and a group of negative controls, all of whom participated in a chlamydia screening trial for eight years. The authors found that chlamydia-positive women were at a significantly greater risk of developing both PID and TFI.

The strongest risk factor for PID progressing from chlamydia was if the STD was symptomatic. The greatest risk for PID progressing to TFI in these women had to do with age participants who were younger than 20 years old upon the first infection were considered more at risk than those 24 and older.

The CDC reports that an estimated 2.86 million cases of chlamydia occur in the United States each year. When it comes to specific STDs that may cause infertility, 10 to 15 percent of women who contract chlamydia will develop PID. According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, approximately 15 percent of women with PID will develop TFI, which is cited as one of the most common causes of infertility and affects roughly 30 percent of the 1.5 million infertile women in the U.S. Many cases of TFI occur in women who have asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic PID.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular