If you’ve recently learned you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or you’re wondering if you might have one, you may have questions that go beyond your immediate health. Many women wonder, “Will this affect my ability to have children someday?” or “Could it harm my pregnancy?”
The answer depends on the type of infection and how quickly it’s diagnosed and treated. While some STIs can lead to complications if left untreated, many can be treated or managed successfully, especially when caught early.
Here’s what you should know.
Some STIs Can Affect Future Fertility
Not every STI causes long-term complications, but certain infections can damage the reproductive system if they go untreated.
For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can sometimes lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes.
In some cases, that scarring may increase the risk of:
- Infertility
- Chronic pelvic pain
- An ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus
The challenging part is that many women with chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, meaning the infection can go unnoticed until complications develop.
The good news is that early testing and treatment can greatly reduce the risk of long-term damage.
STIs Can Also Affect Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, some sexually transmitted infections can affect both you and your developing baby if they aren’t treated.
Depending on the infection, possible complications may include:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Eye or lung infections in a newborn
- Transmission of the infection during pregnancy or delivery
- Miscarriage or stillbirth (in some cases)
Fortunately, many of these risks can be reduced through routine prenatal care, STI testing, and appropriate treatment.
If you think you might be pregnant, don’t wait to seek care. The earlier you receive medical attention, the more opportunities there are to protect both your health and your baby’s health.
Early Testing Gives You the Best Chance to Protect Your Health
Whether you’re trying to become pregnant, think you may already be pregnant, or simply want to protect your reproductive health, early testing is one of the best things you can do.
If you think you might be pregnant, start with a pregnancy test.
If your test is positive, follow up with an ultrasound. An ultrasound can determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy appears to be developing or if you’ve miscarried
- Approximately how far along you are
If you believe you may have been exposed to an STI, talk with a healthcare provider about getting tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Many sexually transmitted infections can be successfully treated, and early intervention can help protect both your fertility and your pregnancy.
Find Compassionate Care at Dove Medical
If you think you might be pregnant or have questions about your sexual health, Dove Medical is here to help.
You’ll start with a free intake appointment to gather initial information. We can offer lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds for qualifying patients in a caring, judgment-free environment. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, explain your pregnancy test results, and provide the information you need to understand your next steps. We also offer free, confidential STI testing and treatment when applicable.
Your reproductive health matters, and you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Contact Dove Medical today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here for you.
*Dove Medical offers pregnancy diagnosis, decision coaching, and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not refer for or perform abortion services, including the abortion pill.
This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a Healthcare Professional.