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In a stark warning issued on Tuesday, medical experts in India have raised concerns over a significant increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), citing their direct correlation with rising infertility cases in the country.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and mycoplasma genitalium are on the rise, posing a substantial threat to reproductive health. These infections, often asymptomatic, are transmitted through sexual contact via bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.
Doctors emphasize that if left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications, including infertility in both men and women. Dr. Manisha Singh from Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, elucidated, “STIs can surreptitiously disrupt fertility by causing inflammation and scarring in reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes in women or sperm ducts in men.”
Of particular concern are chlamydia and gonorrhoea, the two most prevalent infections in women that can result in infertility. Dr. Dhivya Chandrasekar, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, explained, “These infections trigger pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to chronic inflammation and damage to reproductive organs, thereby making conception difficult.”
In men, these infections manifest as inflammation of the urethra, testicles, and other reproductive organs, potentially causing conditions like epididymitis or prostatitis, which can adversely affect sperm production and quality.
The alarming surge in STDs coincides with a concerning trend highlighted in a recent Lancet study, which revealed India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropping irreversibly to 1.29, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1. This decline underscores the urgent need to address factors contributing to infertility.
Dr. Chandrasekar stressed the importance of early detection and treatment of these infections, advocating for safe sexual practices as a crucial preventive measure. “If there’s a suspicion of an STI, prompt diagnosis is imperative. Prioritizing preventive measures such as consistent and correct condom use remains one of the most effective strategies for protection against STIs,” she asserted.
As the incidence of blocked fallopian tubes rises due to untreated STIs, recourse to assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) becomes necessary for conception. IVF entails fertilization outside the body in a laboratory setting, offering hope for individuals grappling with infertility issues stemming from STIs.
The medical community urges heightened awareness, proactive screening, and prompt treatment of sexually transmitted infections to safeguard reproductive health and mitigate the growing infertility crisis in India.
