Leaving sexually transmitted infections (STIs) untreated can cause a variety of health issues. Despite the fact that many STIs don’t often produce noticeable side effects, it is nevertheless essential to get tested and treated from a reliable local STD testing center if you are concerned about your well-being.

Here we’ll examine a few of the most well-known complications associated with STIs, and what they may mean for your general health –– especially if they’re left untreated.

Infertility 

Common STIs, when untreated, can lead to both infertility in men and women. Note, it may take a long time to determine if a person, or persons, are infertile. Sometimes doctors advise couples to try and conceive for a year before they recommend fertility treatments. Female infertility brought about by STIs may happen because of harm to the fallopian tubes. Male infertility can be the consequence of a disease in the testicles frequently credited to chlamydia. This can bring about a decrease in the quantity of sperm generated, making it progressively harder to conceive. 

Studies indicate that individuals between 15-24 years old are most at risk for contracting an STI. In fact, half of all recently analyzed STI diagnoses fall into this age group. The bad news is that relatively few people this age are likely to consider the possibility of infertility in regard to STIs. In addition, infertility can prompt relationship difficulties and psychological well-being issues. 

Premature Delivery and Ectopic Pregnancy 

Some STIs can contribute to lasting harm to female reproductive organs. What’s more, STIs can lead to issues during pregnancy as well. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a potential complication that can arise from several STIs, can cause scarring, infertility, premature delivery, or miscarriage.

If a fertilized begins to develop outside of the uterus, this is known as an ectopic pregnancy which can prompt quick health complications and can even be deadly. As indicated by an investigation by the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) around 40 percent of ectopic pregnancies can be credited to irresistible variables, including STIs. 

Virtually every STI can create problems for pregnant women. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, though, are two very common STIs that yield conditions like PID. 

Epididymo-Orchitis 

Epididymo-orchitis is a condition that men may contract if they don’t access STI treatment. Epididymitis refers to swelling found in the back of the testes (where sperm is produced). Orchitis is the clinical name given to swelling of the testes. 

This condition is most generally brought about by STIs, namely chlamydia and gonorrhea. These two STIs typically exist in the urethra, but can advance into the testicles when left untreated. 

As explained in a paper published by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) some uncommon instances of epididymo-orchitis can prompt a diminished sperm count, which can decrease fertility. 

Expanded Risk of HIV 

Individuals who neglect STI testing and treatment increase their risk of contracting and/or transmitting HIV –– particularly if they engage in unprotected sex. As indicated by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) women with chlamydia are several times more likely to contract HIV whenever untreated.