Surging STD Rates Heighten Infertility Concerns in India

The surge in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and mycoplasma genitalium, is exacerbating infertility rates in India. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Go to source) may pass from one infected person to another via blood, semen, vaginal, and other bodily fluids through sexual contact. While these are usually asymptomatic, they can cause serious complications like infertility, both in men and women, if left untreated.

Declining Total Fertility Rate in India

On the other hand, a recent Lancet study showed that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) -- the average number of children born per woman -- is dipping irreversibly to 1.29, far lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. Explaining the link between the two, gynecologist Dr. Manisha Singh from Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS, “STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and Mycoplasma genitalium can sneakily mess with fertility. They cause inflammation and scarring in reproductive organs, like the fallopian tubes in women or sperm ducts in men.”

“Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the two most common infections in women that can cause infertility. These infections cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to reproductive organs, like the fallopian tubes and uterus, making it difficult to conceive,” added Dr. Dhivya Chandrasekar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru.

“In men, it results in inflammation of the urethra, testicles, and other reproductive organs, which can lead to severe conditions like epididymitis or prostatitis, harming sperm production and quality,” she told IANS. The doctors said detecting and treating these infections early and having safe sex, are crucial to protect fertility. When the tubes get blocked, one may require In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where fertilization happens outside the body in a lab, as it can’t occur naturally within the fallopian tubes.

“If you suspect the presence of an STI, it is best to get it diagnosed at the earliest. One must prioritize preventive measures like when used correctly and consistently, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV,” Dr. Dhivya said.

Reference:

1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis))

Source-IANS