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/
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
I agree with you that the risk of unprotected sex needs to be addressed more. I think a lot of people mostly younger think that if something does go wrong it can be easily fixed with one visit to the doctor. The fact that they could become infertile because of a sexually transmitted disease never crosses their minds.
ReplyDeleteInfertility is something that can be very difficult to handle for a lot of people. I thought it was crazy how STD's can have something to do with infertility because that is something I had no idea about. I also didn't know that STD's could cause chronic illness which is crazy to think how dangerous STD are.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this post I agree with what you had to say about how easy STD can be transferred from person to person. I didn't know that such a high percentage of people are infertile. I also didn't realize STD could affect your fertility, that is another thing I learned from this post.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to learn to so many people thought they were infertile. I was even more surprised to learn that people used this as an excuse no to practice safe sex. I have to wonder what makes these people think they are infertile when the numbers in the CDC study say otherwise. And why would they think being infertile means it is ok not to use protection? Perhaps educating people more on the risks of not using protection would reduce this careless behavior. It certainly can't hurt to do so. There are many dangers that come with not practicing safe sex besides the risk of infertility and it sounds like people need to be made more aware of this.
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