Sexual health

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Apr 29, 2025

Can STIs Cause Male Infertility?

Joseph Anya

Clinical Ops

What if a silent infection today could rob you of the chance to become a father tomorrow? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are all too common, but many men don’t realize that untreated or recurrent STIs can damage the reproductive tract and contribute to infertility. From chlamydia and gonorrhea to HIV and syphilis, these infections can silently undermine sperm production, transport, and quality—sometimes before any symptoms appear.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how STIs affect male fertility, which infections are most dangerous, the underlying mechanisms of damage, and the steps you can take to protect your reproductive health.

What Are the Most Common STIs That Affect Male Fertility?

Several STIs have been linked to male infertility. The most notable include:

Chlamydia
- Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, often asymptomatic.
- Can lead to epididymitis (inflammation of the sperm-transporting tubes) and scarring.
Gonorrhea
- Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Similar to chlamydia, it can inflame and scar the epididymis and prostate.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- While HIV itself does not directly damage sperm, the virus and some antiretroviral therapies may affect sperm quality over time.
Syphilis
- Caused by Treponema pallidum.
- Late-stage syphilis can invade the testes (gummatous syphilis), leading to orchitis and testicular atrophy.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- High-risk strains can impair sperm motility and function.

How Do STIs Damage the Male Reproductive System?

STIs can interfere with fertility through several pathways:

1. Inflammation & Scarring

Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis from chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause scarring, blocking sperm passage.
Prostatitis: Infection of the prostate can alter the composition of seminal fluid, impairing sperm motility.

2. Direct Testicular Damage

Orchitis: Infections like syphilis or mumps (though not an STI) can inflame the testes, reducing sperm production.

3. Altered Semen Quality

Oxidative stress: Chronic infection generates free radicals that damage sperm DNA, lowering motility and increasing abnormalities.
Immune response: Antibodies against sperm may develop, reducing sperm survival.

4. Hormonal Disruption

Some infections can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to lower testosterone levels and impaired sperm production.

What Symptoms Should Men Look Out For?

Many STI-related fertility issues arise without obvious signs. However, be vigilant for:

Painful or burning urination
Discharge from the penis
Testicular pain or swelling
Pelvic or lower back pain
Unusual fatigue or flu-like symptoms (in HIV or late syphilis)

Because up to 50% of chlamydia cases are asymptomatic, regular screening after unprotected sex or with new partners is critical.

How Can Men Protect Fertility from STI-Related Damage?

1. Practice Safe Sex

Condoms: Consistent, correct use reduces STI transmission by over 80%.
Mutual monogamy: Limiting partners and ensuring both are STI-free.

2. Regular Screening

Annual or bi-annual STI tests—especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea—if you’re sexually active outside a monogamous relationship. Get tested here.

3. Early Treatment

Prompt antibiotic therapy for bacterial STIs prevents complications like epididymitis.
Follow up with a test-of-cure to ensure infection clearance.

4. Lifestyle Support

Antioxidant supplements (vitamins C, E, selenium) can help combat infection-induced oxidative stress.
Healthy diet, exercise, and stress management support overall immune function and hormonal balance.

Can Infertility from STIs Be Reversed?

The chances of reversing STI-related infertility depend on:

Timeliness of treatment: Early intervention before extensive scarring offers the best prognosis.
Extent of damage: Mild epididymal inflammation often resolves; severe scarring may require surgical correction (e.g., vasoepididymostomy).
Adjunctive therapies: Assisted reproductive technologies (IUI, IVF) can bypass blockages or low sperm quality.

When to See a Specialist

If you’ve been treated for an STI but still face fertility challenges, consult a urologist or reproductive endocrinologist. They may recommend:

Semen analysis to assess count, motility, and morphology.
Scrotal ultrasound to detect blockages or testicular damage.
Hormonal assays to evaluate testosterone and gonadotropin levels.

Conclusion

STIs can indeed cause or contribute to male infertility, but with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment, you can protect your reproductive health. Regular screenings, safe-sex practices, and addressing infections early are your best defenses. If fertility issues arise, a combination of medical, surgical, and assisted-reproduction options offers hope for many couples.

At Priv, we have several STI tests are available for you to test for common STIs from the comfort of your home—discreetly, conveniently, and at an affordable cost. All tests are data-secured and reviewed by our doctors. If your results indicate a need for further treatment, you'll be connected to a care provider who can help you decide the best course.

Take charge of your sexual health today—get tested, treat infections promptly, and adopt healthy habits to preserve your fertility for the future.

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