Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an everyday health issue that affects the genders equally. However, the contribution of STDs to male fertility and sperm parameters is an issue that needs further consideration. How do we handle male fertility issues due to STDs? By raising awareness, we can help early STD screening to help improve male fertility.
STDs can have major effects on male reproductive health, which can be temporary disruptions in sperm production or even long-term fertility issues. If untreated, some STDs may cause inflammation, scarring, or damage to the male urologic tract and thereby impair natural conception. When treating particular STDs, it is important to understand how to impact male fertility.
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and is most often asymptomatic in men. Even when there are no clear signs, untreated chlamydia can cause significant damage to male fertility. Chlamydia infections have been reported in vitro studies to be related to decreased sperm count and motility. The bacteria can cause inflammation in the epididymis, a tube that stores and transports spermatozoa, resulting in occlusion or scarring that prevents spermatozoa from moving freely.
Chlamydia antibiotic therapy is highly effective, but early diagnosis is effective. Infants with suspected infertility should have chlamydia as a component of their fertility workup. If infection is treated effectively, then the risk of regaining fertility through normal sperm function increases dramatically.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also a sexually transmitted disease. It may also have potential adverse effects on the male reproductive system. HPV is commonly associated with genital warts and cancers. Still, it is also monitored for its role in fertility. Evidence reported that HPV alteration of spermatozoa quality modifies DNA in spermatozoa cells. These changes might reduce the fertilising ability of sperm, that is, successfully using an oocyte.
The role of HPV in male infertility highlights the need for (preventive) vaccination and screening. Men with long-term HPV infection should see a clinician to reduce the risk of reproductive complications. Other safe sex practices can decrease the chance of being infected with or transmitting HPV.
Regular STD screening is a critical step for men who are planning to start a family or are experiencing fertility issues. Many STDs, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, can also affect sperm function and reproduction in general. Detection and treatment at the earliest stage can avoid complications, and it might also be possible to preserve fertility.
Standardised screening for bacterial STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhoea) is routinely advised by physicians, particularly for sexually experienced men having multiple sexual partners as well as having a history of STIs. Viral infections, like HPV and herpes, may also be advised to be tested for, as a matter of individual risk. Incorporating STD screening as part of standard health screening can make an important contribution toward good reproductive health.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated STDs on Male Reproductive Health
When sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not cured, they can lead to permanent damage to the male reproductive system. Complex infections, including epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) and orchitis (inflammation of the testicle), are common complications caused by bacterial STDs. These inflammatory conditions can lead to decreased sperm yield, sperm defects, or sperm duct block.
In particular, certain viral STDs (herpes or HIV) could indirectly affect fertility by suppressing the immune system and/or inducing chronic inflammation in the reproductive organs. In men who encounter these obstacles, early treatment with targeted medical interventions is recommended to minimise the impact on fertility.
Cardioprotective effects of statins against STDs must be protected by preventive measures including, but not limited to:
● Practising Safe Sex: The risk of sexually transmitted diseases that can damage fertility is significantly lower with the use of condoms.
● Regular Health Check-Ups: A regular visit to a medical doctor helps with early detection and treatment of STDs.
● Vaccination: Vaccinations against certain STDs (e.g., HPV) provide additional protection as well as protection for reproduction.
● Prompt Treatment: Prenatal medical care during the first signs and symptoms of an STD can prevent complications and preserve fertility.
● Open Communication: Communication of sexual health messages between partners and between partners and clinical services can benefit the provision of holistic care and the prevention of infectious disease spread.
Also, in the process of normalising STDs, it is the most essential role of leading a normal life to normalise sperm and fertility normalisation. Men should:
Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and using illicit substances, as these are now also a source of deteriorating sperm quality.
Become a consumer of a diet that is rich in antioxidant intake, which can be useful to protect sperm from damage caused by oxidative stress resulting from infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Regular physical exercise can be employed to achieve general good health down to the stress level that can modulate reproductive hormones.
Males with infertility in spermotoxic seminal plasma due to acute or historical sexually transmitted diseases (preparation for semen donation) and currently sexually transmitted diseases in males who are currently ill are warned to have counselling contact with a fertility expert for some useful advice and solutions. Sophisticated diagnostic tools can determine sperm quality and find reversible problems due to infection. Fertility interventions, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART), are sometimes and indeed are recommended to maximise the likelihood of conception.
Male STDs carry important consequences for men’s fertility and sperm health, and early diagnosis and treatment play a key role. Disorders such as chlamydia and HPV highlight the need for preventative treatments in sexual health, such as routine testing for male fertility assessment with sexually transmitted infection (STD) disorders.
In terms of reproductive health, men can both limit the spread of STIs and thus enhance their likelihood of being fathers when they so desire. When the implementation is done within an interdisciplinary setting with healthcare professionals, it can provide an integrated solution to fertility problems, supporting superior reproductive success.
Gonorrhoea may lead to infection of the male and female genital tract with subsequent tubal obstruction or decreased sperm quality, which in turn may affect fertility.
In some cases, yes. A goal based on early diagnosis, treatment, and restoring fertility is achievable to recover the STD, but the damage extent of the STD limits the chance.
Do not have unprotected sexual intercourse, get screened regularly, and seek any treatment immediately if an STD is suspected.
Indeed, early treatment of STDs can prevent complete damage and have antioxidant effects on sperm health and male fertility.
