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When symptoms are present, it can sometimes mean (for women especially) that infection is advanced. Below are some signs of STI infection:
(Note: some of these may be symptoms of other health conditions, and should be attended to regardless of sexual activity.)
Because males infected with STIs usually seek treatment in order to stop painful symptoms, their incidence of STI-related infertility is less than for women. However, men are not "off the hook" here: approximately half a million yearly develop epididymitis (inflammation of the testicular tubes) from an STI, which can result in decreased fertility or sterility.
Females more typically are not aware of the existence of their STI, therefore do not receive prompt treatment. This often results in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a leading cause of tubal-factor infertility, which is one of the most common types of infertility.
Tubal-factor infertility refers to any dysfunction of the fallopian tubes, such as adhesions, scar tissue, or any other blockage of the tubes. Such blockage makes it impossible for the sperm and egg to meet in a natural, unassisted manner. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) was first invented specifically as a treatment for tubal-factor infertility. While it can be successful, IVF to treat infertility is very costly, both financially and emotionally.
© Tracy Morris
