Infertility affects 10-15% of all couples. Pelvic infections are an important cause of infertility, primarily as a result of tubal damage. Damage to the fallopian tubes from infections may be due to adhesions, tubal mucosal damage, or tubal occlusion that interferes with normal ovum transport. The infections most commonly related to infertility include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Tuberculosis also is a common cause of infertility in Third World nations.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. If left untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
CDC/Centers for Disease Control recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Early recognition of infection, prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and proper follow-up are important to prevent the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical intervention may be needed to treat immediate or long-term complications of infection. Prevention of pelvic infections should be a high priority. Fortunately, treatment options such as tubal microsurgery and assisted reproductive technologies offer couples reproductive options even when infertility occurs as a result of a previous pelvic infection.
Infertility affects 10-15% of all couples. Pelvic infections are an important cause of infertility, primarily as a result of tubal damage. Damage to the fallopian tubes from infections may be due to adhesions, tubal mucosal damage, or tubal occlusion that interferes with normal ovum transport. The infections most commonly related to infertility include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Tuberculosis also is a common cause of infertility in Third World nations.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. If left untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
CDC/Centers for Disease Control recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Early recognition of infection, prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and proper follow-up are important to prevent the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical intervention may be needed to treat immediate or long-term complications of infection. Prevention of pelvic infections should be a high priority. Fortunately, treatment options such as tubal microsurgery and assisted reproductive technologies offer couples reproductive options even when infertility occurs as a result of a previous pelvic infection.
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