How Infections Can Cause Infertility: What You Need to Know

Infertility is a deeply personal and often painful issue for many individuals and couples around the world. In Nigeria and other parts of Africa, where children are seen not just as blessings but as a legacy, the pressure to conceive can be overwhelming, leading to psychological stress on parties involved, or even leading to the dissolution of homes. In the past, women were mostly blamed in an event where couples could not reproduce, but with the advent of health education, people are beginning to understand the physiology of reproduction and the fact that infertility could arise as a result of an issue from either of the couples and is not limited to one person. 

While there are many reasons why a couple might struggle to have a child, one of the most common yet misunderstood causes is infection.

Yes, infections. Something as seemingly simple as an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a poorly managed urinary tract infection (UTI) can silently damage the reproductive system, making it harder or even impossible for a woman to get pregnant or for a man to father a child.

In this article, we explore how infections can cause infertility, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly, how to protect your reproductive health.

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is generally defined as the inability of couples to get pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For women beyond 35 years of age, this timeline is shortened to 6 months.

It also includes cases where a woman can get pregnant but experiences repeated miscarriages or stillbirths.

How Can Infections Cause Infertility?

Infections can affect fertility in both men and women by damaging the organs involved in reproduction. This damage may be direct, like scarring of the fallopian tubes in women, which leads to blockage, or indirect, like disrupting hormone levels or immune system function.

For some reason, some infections don’t show symptoms until the damage is already done.

In Women:

The Effect of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

One of the most common infection-related causes of female infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition occurs when bacteria travel from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

Common causes of PID include: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Unsafe abortions, Poor hygiene during delivery or miscarriage.

When these bacteria spread, they can cause inflammation and scarring. The fallopian tubes serve as a conduit organ that carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and can become blocked or damaged. If this happens, the egg and sperm can’t meet, and fertilization can't occur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 8 women with PID will have difficulty getting pregnant. Studies have also shown that with one history of PID in a woman, the risk of infertility is 15% and increases to 25% if it reoccurs, and eventually 50% in the third occurrence. This goes to describe the extent to which PID affects fertility.

In Men:

Sperm Health

Infections don’t just affect women. Men can also suffer fertility problems as a result of infections.

Common infections affecting male fertility include: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Mumps (especially if it causes swelling in the testicles), and Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

These infections can lead to:

1. Low sperm count

2. Poor sperm movement (motility)

3. Inflammation in the testicles (orchitis)

4. Blocked sperm ducts (epididymitis)

Even a temporary drop in sperm quality or quantity due to infection can delay conception. Chronic infections or untreated cases can cause permanent damage.

Other Infections That Can Affect Fertility

Beyond Sexually Transmitted Infections, several other types of infections can negatively impact fertility in men and women alike:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Chronic UTIs can affect the bladder and kidneys, spreading to the reproductive organs. UTIs in men can lead to prostatitis, which affects semen quality.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infections): While common and usually treatable, recurrent infections can disturb the vaginal environment and affect sperm movement.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV arises from the overgrowth of normal flora within the vagina and changes the balance of bacteria in the vagina and can increase the risk of miscarriage and early delivery.

HIV and Hepatitis B/C:

These infections may not cause infertility directly, but can affect the overall health of a woman, hormone balance, and pregnancy outcomes.

Infections During Pregnancy: Rubella, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and may affect future chances of a successful pregnancy.

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Signs of an Ongoing Infection

Some infections are obvious and painful, while others are not. The following are signs of Infections that should not be taken for granted;

1. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

2. Unusual vaginal discharge (smelly, yellow, or green)

3. Pain during sex

4. Irregular or missed periods

5. Burning sensation when urinating

6. Swollen or painful testicles

7. Fever, chills, or unexplained fatigue

But remember: some people have no symptoms at all, especially in the case of chlamydia or gonorrhea. That’s why regular screening is so important.

How to Prevent Infection-Related Infertility

Prevention is always better than cure. Most infections that lead to infertility are preventable with simple lifestyle and healthcare choices.

1. Practice Safe Sex: Always use condoms, especially with new or multiple partners. Don’t assume someone is “clean” just because they look healthy.

2. Go for Regular Health Checks: Routine STI screening should be part of your health habits, especially if you're planning to have children and you are sexually active.

3. Don’t ignore Symptoms: See a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual pain, discharge, or changes in your menstrual cycle. In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from having long-term complications.

4. Avoid Unsafe Abortions and Deliveries: Always seek care from licensed professionals. Avoid traditional or unregulated practices that can introduce infections. If you don’t plan on getting pregnant soon, use contraceptives, and in the event of pregnancy and abortion, a licensed healthcare provider should be contacted.

5. Practice Good Hygiene: This includes personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and cleanliness during sex.

6. Complete Your Treatments: If diagnosed with an infection, ensure you finish all prescribed medications even if you feel better. Also, your partner should be treated at the same time.

What If You Already Have Fertility Issues?

If you and your partner have been trying for a year (or 6 months if you're over 35) without success, see a fertility specialist. The doctor is  likely to do the following: 

Take a full medical and sexual history

Test for past or current infections

Do blood tests and hormone checks

Perform scans or imaging to check for scarring or blockages

Analyze sperm (for men)

In many cases, once the infection is treated and the inflammation reduces, fertility improves. However, if scarring or damage is permanent, other treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) or surgery may be needed.

Conclusion

Infertility can be emotionally painful, but it's important to know that you're not alone and that help is available. Infections are one of the most preventable causes of infertility, and understanding how they affect the body and taking steps to protect yourself can make a difference.

Your fertility is not just about having children; it’s an important part of your overall health.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm

World Health Organization (WHO). Infertility. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility

Mayo Clinic. Infertility causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes

Healthline. How STDs can lead to infertility. https://www.healthline.com/health/stds-and-infertility

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board