September 4th: World Sexual Health Day

2023-09-03 08:51:08

Expert warns STDs affect fertility

Vienna (OTS) – More and more sexually transmitted diseases have recently been registered in Europe. Apart from unpleasant symptoms, these can also have a long-term effect on the fertility of men and women.

Within the last 10 years, there has been a sharp increase in sexually transmitted diseases such as ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) reported.

Experts suspect the cause to be a lower awareness among the younger generation of the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases and the risk-taking behavior associated with them. “Safer sex” is practiced less and less, since even diseases such as HIV have lost their terror for many thanks to the advances in modern medicine.

This trend is viewed with great concern in many places, because a large number of sexually transmitted diseases can also have long-term effects on young people’s health. “A number of sexually transmitted diseases can affect the long-term fertility of young men and women in particular and, in the worst case, lead to permanent infertility,” explains Priv.-Doz. GDR. Michael Feichtinger, head of the Wunschbaby Institute Feichtinger.

“The most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection, chlamydia, can cause irreversible blockage of the fallopian tubes in women and blockage of the vas deferens in men. As a result, no sperm cells can be found in the ejaculate of these men and they are permanently infertile. Gonorrhea (clap) can also have a similar effect,” the expert continues.

Although the acute symptoms of these diseases can be remedied with an antibiotic, long-term damage remains, of which those affected are often unaware. Feichtinger also emphasizes: “Even supposedly harmless bacteria such as mycoplasma, ureaplasma and trichomonads, which we regularly diagnose in swabs from the vagina or semen, can impair fertility”.

Only shielding with a condom helps against most sexually transmitted pathogens. “There is only a vaccine against the HPV virus, which can affect fertility in both women and men. Since this vaccination not only protects against a possible impairment of fertility, but also against cancer and genital warts in particular, I would recommend it to every young woman and every young man,” says Feichtinger.

The expert appeals for greater awareness-raising, especially in schools. “It is particularly important to me to do educational work here, because a one-time carelessness can develop into a nightmare in the long term and often results in numerous medical treatments and artificial insemination for those affected,” concludes Feichtinger.