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How can sexually transmitted infections affect the reproductive system?

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varicocele — reproductive system disease Varicocele, enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, is a cause of infertility in men.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause significant damage to the reproductive system by triggering inflammation and long-term complications if left untreated.12

In women, infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an acute inflammation of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Complications of these infections include scarring of the fallopian tubes, which is a leading cause of infertility, as well as an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies and chronic pelvic pain. Additionally, human papillomavirus is linked to cervical cancer.1345

In men, STIs can cause urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and epididymitis, an infection of the duct in the sperm canal that can result in sterility. STIs may also contribute to prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate gland.356

Because many STIs produce few or no initial symptoms, they often go untreated, which increases the risk of these serious reproductive health consequences.32