Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are not just for those enjoying wildly active sex lives, and can pose a problem from having sex with just one person. The more sexual partners you have, the chance of infection increases but this can be controlled by not having unprotected sex with anyone, unless they have been cleared of any diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be harboured in the body for years without showing any physical signs, so just because you’ve been in long relationship with somebody doesn’t mean you or your partner are risk-free. If remained un-treated STD’s can pose a risk to your fertility so make sure you have regular smear tests which can test for diseases like Chlamydia – or make an appointment with your GP or family planning centre if you are worried.

What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK at present and is caused by a tiny bacterium called the chlamydia trachomatis. It can affect both men and women but it is more common in young women.

The problem with chlamydia is that there are little or no symtoms, women may experience cystitis, lower abdominal pain or an increase in vaginal discharge, but some of these symptoms happen monthly when you have your period anyway. For most women Chlamydia can go undetected for years and only reveals itself when there are potential problems such as trouble getting pregnant.

Why does Chlamydia affect fertility?
Chlamydia can cause pelvis inflammatory disease that in turn can damage the fallopian tubes and stop eggs from being successfully carried from the ovaries to the womb and sometimes the tubes can become completely blocked.
Some women do fall pregnant but there is a high chance the pregnancy will result in an ectopic pregnancy where the fertilsed egg starts to develop in the fallopian tubes rather than the womb. Ectopic pregnancies unfortunately cannot survive outside the womb.

Who can get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia affects both men and women; in men, it can lead to testicles and tubes becoming inflamed. Women may suffer from blocked fallopian tubes. It's even been suggested that, nationwide, up to a third of IVF treatments are necessary as a result of difficulties caused by Chlamydia. Hairs situated along the fallopian tubes help the egg to travel to the womb, but Chlamydia can mean that these hairs are damaged; scarring can then ensue and the tubes can become blocked. This doesn't necessarily mean that women won't be able to conceive, but it does make it more difficult. According to the FPA spokesperson, Chlamydia can cause PID, which sometimes leads to a number of complications. Some women - although not all - may experience an ectopic pregnancy, which is when pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tubes rather than in the womb.

Not only can Chlamydia cause infertility, but if a pregnant woman has Chlamydia, she might pass it on to her unborn baby. The baby can pick up the infection as they're passing through the birth canal and they might then experience problems with their eyes or even catch Pneumonia. As a precaution, measures are taken to protect all newborn babies; just after birth, babies are given eye drops which contain an antibiotic which destroys Chlamydia.

What are my options?
You can try to have a baby using IVF treatment so your fertilised egg is implanted directly into your womb, but the success rate varies depending on each couple. Ask your GP to make you an appointment at a fertility clinic if you need more information.

If you are under 25, sexually active and have had unprotected sex you are at more risk of  Chlamydia so it is important to stop having unprotected sex immediately and get yourself tested at once. The risk is considerably higher is you are under 20 or if you change sexual partners frequently. Never have unprotected sex with anyone if you are not one hundred percent sure they cannot pass STD's on to you. If you are worried, see your GP for more help or to request a smear test.

How can I test whether I have Chlamydia?
There are many ways to be tested for Chlamydia; if you visit your gp, they can take some swabs of the cervix. Some people prefer not to have an internal exam, however, so free Chlamydia screening is now provided in some highstreet pharmacies, such as Boots. There are also GUM clinics you can visit which, as the spokesperson from the FPA points out, are preferable to many people as they're confidential. This is a fairly simple procedure. Men provide a small amount of urine to be tested. Women give a vaginal swab which they've taken themselves. These are then sent off for testing and the patient is sent their results within two weeks.
The spokesperson from the Family Planning Association, as quoted above, insists that 'The message is that if you think there's any chance you may have contracted Chlamydia, you should get tested immediately. If you could be at any risk, or are trying to get pregnant, get checked straightaway.' The sooner you take action the better, as you will reduce the likelihood of Chlamydia standing in the way of your dream of parenthood.

Do you have unanswered questions? If so, visit our Fertility Chat Forum for more information.


The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.