STIs and Male Fertility: The Untold Truth About How Infections Impact Sperm Health
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). STIs can have serious consequences for both men and women, including infertility. In this post, we will focus on the effects of STIs on male fertility and the role of fertility clinics in addressing this issue.
STIs can affect male fertility in various ways. For instance, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the testicles and epididymis, which are responsible for sperm production and storage. This inflammation can damage the sperm-producing cells and lead to a decrease in sperm count and motility. Similarly, untreated syphilis can cause testicular atrophy, which can also affect sperm production. In addition, STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through semen and affect the quality of sperm.
Moreover, STIs can also affect the overall health of sperm. For example, studies have shown that men with HPV infection have lower sperm concentration and motility compared to men without the infection. Similarly, research has linked genital herpes to reduced sperm count and increased levels of abnormal sperm. These effects can make it more difficult for men to impregnate their partners.
Fertility clinics play a crucial role in addressing the effects of STIs on male fertility. These clinics offer a range of services aimed at helping men overcome infertility caused by STIs. For instance, they may provide medical treatments such as antibiotics to treat STIs and reduce inflammation in the reproductive system. They may also offer assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to help men with low sperm count or motility conceive.
STIs can have serious consequences for male fertility, including decreased sperm count, motility, and overall health. Fertility clinics can play an important role in addressing this issue by providing medical treatments and ARTs to help men overcome infertility caused by STIs. It is important for men to practice safe sex and get tested regularly to prevent these negative effects on their fertility.
If you are looking for a male fertility clinic in London or Surrey for sperm analysis, book an appointment online today at our discrete private clinic.