Infertility is often the last thing on the mind of couples in Kenya that are trying to get pregnant. In most cases, delayed conception usually leads to visits with their doctor confirming that either the man or woman is infertile. The causes of the infertility are quite a number with the most common one being from various infections. These infections may or may not have symptoms thus making it harder for those affected to seek medical treatment in a timely manner. The usual consequence of delayed management of such infections is often infertility.
Although not all infections cause infertility, there are some that are often associated with the condition in men and women.
Females
1. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is basically the infection of the reproductive organs of a woman. It is caused by bacteria that enter the cervix, then goes on to infect the fallopian tubes and uterus. When left untreated, the disease can cause scarring of tissue in organs within the pelvic region resulting in infertility.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases
Diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse are a common cause of infections that lead to infertility. For women, STDs such as gonorrhoea as well as Chlamydia are often associated with infertility especially if the person affected does not seek treatment quickly. The major parts of the reproductive organs affected by STDs are the fallopian tubes and uterus.
3. Post-surgery infections
Women that have gone through surgery on their ovaries or uterus which resulted in pelvic adhesions might become infertile. These adhesions can be found inside these female reproductive organs or around them making it hard to conceive. In some cases, expectant women have multiple miscarriages due to these infections.
Males
1. Sexually transmitted diseases
Gonorrhoea, syphilis and Chlamydia are STDs that are commonly associated with infertility and have no obvious symptoms in men making them hard to treat in good time. When left untreated, the bacteria produced by these diseases infect their reproductive organs leaving them unable to perform their normal functions such as sperm production among others.
2. Mumps
Severe inflammation of testicles in men that have suffered from mumps can lead to infertility. The infection which may result in the shrinking of testicles affects their sperm count substantially. If the production of healthy sperm is reduced it can reduce fertility or result in infertility.
3. Testicular infection
The testicles in men are responsible for the production of testosterone hormone and sperms which makes them fertile. Improper or delayed treatment of STDs may result in infection of the testicles which interferes with the production and health of sperms. Also, infections can scar the vessels through which sperms pass thereby blocking them resulting in infertility.
In general, infections are a common cause of infertility in both men and women and should be treated as soon as any symptoms get noticed. It is advisable to have regular medical checkups, whether single or married to ensure that you and your partner are given a clean bill of health even before trying for a baby.
