Various scientific groups have been warning for some time increase in sexually transmitted infections in Spain.
Experts are concerned about the possible short- and long-term consequences of this type of infection, skin problemsare more susceptible to HIV or cancer.
But, beyond that, it’s important to remember that STIs, especially STIs gonorrhea the waves Chlamydiadue to appearance, can be a problem when achieving pregnancy Pelvic inflammatory disease (Electronics Industrial Park).
This issue becomes even more important if we look at the latest report from the Ministry of Health, Epidemiological Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Spain.released this year, which states that only in 2021 Gonorrhea casesand placed in More than 15,000, or 20,500 if chlamydia.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
as he explained Dr Elgin MunozReproductive Health Specialist, Director of IVI Vigo and A Coruña, “Pelvic inflammatory disease is mainly the result of gonorrhea and chlamydia sexually transmitted bacteria They spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.”
Experts warn of possible short- and long-term consequences of STIs, such as increased likelihood of contracting HIV or cancer
Said bacteria “can cause inflammation, scarring, and possibly blockage of the fallopian tubes, making fertilization difficult and possibly even causing an ectopic pregnancy in the future. Besides, The ovaries and uterus are also affected Through this inflammatory process, can become abscess“.
If the fallopian tubes are blocked due to a previous infection, they won’t be able to transport eggs It is released from the ovary so there are not many or any eggs for the sperm to find and fertilize to form an embryo.
But this is not the only danger of this pathology caused by sexually transmitted infections. Fertility experts explain that the following situations may occur: Tube is partially blocked Eventually the sperm and egg meet, but damage from the STI prevents the embryo from implanting in the uterus.
More than 15,000 cases of gonorrhea and more than 20,500 cases of chlamydia in 2020
Also, if the infection is very serious It can scar the uterus and eventually lead to Ashman syndromemaking it difficult for the embryo to bond or develop.
The key to detecting gonorrhea and chlamydia
The consequences of these two conditions are much more complicated since the infection may be overlooked by patients.
Gonorrhea is usually asymptomaticwhen he proposed Symptoms are barely noticeable.
Furthermore, this infection exhibited a greater resistance to antibiotic treatmentthis does not happen with Chlamydia.
that’s why, Early detection is key to avoid future problems.
If symptoms like lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, painful sex, bleeding between periods and burning sensation when urinating A specialist should be consulted so they can treat possible pelvic inflammatory disease as soon as possible,” Dr. Muñoz warns.
“Sometimes, many women experience few symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, or They are often confused with cystitis or vaginal infectionso it was eventually diagnosed when it was discovered that pregnancy was difficult.”
“Apart from, These symptoms can get worse if left untreated As the infection process progresses,” he added.
That’s it for chlamydia and gonorrhea, but there are other STIs like human papilloma virus (HPV), which can also complicate female fertility.
Because while it does not cause infertility by itself, some studies have shown that when living with chlamydia It also increases the risk of infertility.increase the risk of miscarriage, or may cause difficulty with implantation due to surgery or radiation therapy needed to address the problem.
How does this affect male reproductive health?
Fertility is not only a woman’s problem, but also a man’s problem. Although they appear to affect women more, STIs can also make them infertile.
gonorrhea or chlamydia infection It can block the duct that sits at the back of the testicle (epididymis), which stores and transports sperm during ejaculation.
If infected with HPVThe ability of sperm to move freely is complex and directly affects the chances of conception.
Fertility is not only a woman’s problem, but also a man’s problem.Although STIs appear to affect women more, they can also cause infertility in men
“A blockage of the epididymis will not allow any sperm to reach the egg during intercourse, or it becomes difficult with low motility. But if we start with the basics of STI transmission to the female partner, the probability of their existence have more difficulty conceiving’, the doctor clarified.
For all these reasons, reproductive health experts emphasize The importance of prevention,by using preservativeto avoid the emergence of sexually transmitted infections, which directly affects our future fertility.
If this happens, there are always other possibilities to explore Assisted reproduction to achieve full-term pregnancy.