From a young age, men and women tend to have a preconceived notion of what his or her overall reproductive health is. During a study in 2009, 1800 unmarried young men and women were asked about the status of his or her reproductive health (Polis & Zain, 2012). One of the questions asked was if these men and women were infertile or fertile. After the study, results concluded that 19% of women and 13% of men reported being infertile (Polis & Zabin, 2012). When in fact the CDC reports that only 12% of women and 9% of men are infertile (Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2017). Because of the belief’s these young adults have regarding men and women’s reproductive health, some men and women choose not to use a form of protection. Not only can this lead to unintended pregnancy but, also, an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) (Polis & Zabin, 2012).

            Sexually transmitted diseases(STD) can lead to infertility in both men and women. That is why people need to understand the importance of protection and to see a doctor if there are concerns about his or her reproductive health (Ochsendorf, 2008). Without knowing the truth young adults are at risk for becoming infertile. STD’s such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women which results in tubal obstruction. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause epididymitis in men (Ochsendorf, 2008). Epididymitis is the inflammation of the tube in the testicles that stores and carries the sperm (Mayo Clinic, 2017). These are the reasons why STD’s often cause infertility among men and women (Ochsendorf, 2008).

            STD’s are not the only cause of infertility. Some causes are chronic diseases that cannot be avoided, while other causes are unknown. Among women, common causes of infertility are tubal blockage, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and advanced maternal age (American Pregnancy Association (APA), 2017). The most common causes of infertility in men are declining sperm counts, testicular abnormalities, and erectile dysfunction. For twenty- five percent of infertile couples there is more than one cause of infertility (American Pregnancy Association (APA), 2017).

American Pregnancy Association(APA). (2017). Fertility and infertility faq. Retrieved from    http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/fertility-faq/

 Mayo Clinic. (2017). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317

Polis, C.B., & Zabin L.S. (2012). Missed conceptions or misconceptions: Perceived infertility     among unmarried young adults in the united states. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 44(1).30-38.

Ochsendorf, F.R. (2008). Sexually transmitted infections: Impact on male fertility. Andrologia, 40(2).72-75

When it comes to infertility, it is not something that is often see on the news. Infertility treatments such as Invitro Fertilization (IVF) may be seen on commercials but there aren’t news sources that bring awareness to how common infertility is. Studies show that 1 in every 8 couples struggle to conceive. That means that millions of American are affected by infertility every day. In order to bring awareness and support to people struggling with infertility April 23-29, 2017 is National Infertility Awareness Week. This week was started in 1989 not only to bring awareness but, also, to encourage the public to understand their reproductive health. By doing this is there is hope that people will recognize the things that may cause infertility, such as STI’s or STD’s. STI’s and STD’s can, for the most part, be avoided by having protected sex therefore making it more likely for couples to conceive naturally and not experience infertility. With that said, however, there are cases where infertility cannot be explained. Couples will go through testing and nothing will be seen as abnormal. During this week people may see local events going on in their area to talk about infertility in their area. They may, also, see fundraising events for infertility awareness groups, as well as newspaper and television ads promoting the week. National Infertility Awareness Week has brought awareness of infertility to communities all across the nation.

The National Infertility Association (2017). National infertility awareness week. Retrieved from                       https://infertilityawareness.org/2017/02/13/news/  

Consumer Health Digest (2017). National infertility awareness week 2017- 23^rd to 29^th april. Retrieved from https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/national- infertility-awareness-week.html