OVERVIEW
Sexually transmitted diseases can affect the ability to have children. The structures of the male reproductive tract, including the epididymis and urethra, can be damaged by infection with an untreated STDs. Viral infections and immunodeficiency caused by HIV can also reduce semen quality in men. Following are the sexually transmitted diseases that affect male infertility:
Chlamydia: Untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility in men. Chlamydial diseases are sexually transmitted and are caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. However, this bacterium acts more like a virus.
Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea can lead to infertility in the same way as chlamydia, not as common as chlamydia, it is still the second most common reportable disease.
Herpes: There is limited evidence to suggest that herpes may be associated with infertility in men, herpes infection is associated with reduced sperm count. There is also evidence that the herpes simplex virus may make it harder for men's bodies to produce sperm.
HIV: HIV can cause biological changes which may affect the functions of reproductive organs and result in infertility. ? HIV can also complicate the process of having children or undergoing fertility treatment. That's because, as a sexually transmitted virus found in semen, doctors want to be certain not to transmit the virus from one partner to another during insemination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What preparations are needed for the semen profile?
No special preparation required for the Semen profile. However, some basic instructions should be given:
The patient should not be on any antibiotic treatment when the Semen profile is performed or at least 7-10 days before. Before obtaining a semen sample, the patient has to wash thoroughly the region with clean water only -and avoid any antiseptic that might potentially contaminate the specimen
What is a vasectomy?
In a vasectomy, the tubes that send sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut and sealed as a permanent form of birth control. After a vasectomy, doctors often recommend that men take a sperm analysis once a month for three months to ensure that sperm is no longer present in their semen.
What treatment options are available to treat chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be treated with an antibiotic course.
