Quick Answer

Yes, STDs can cause infertility — primarily through untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea ascending to cause PID, which scars the fallopian tubes. The risk is cumulative: each PID episode increases infertility risk. Approximately 1 in 8 women with PID experiences fertility difficulty (CDC).

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause ~50% of PID cases in the U.S.
  • 1 in 8 women with PID has trouble getting pregnant (CDC).
  • Epididymitis from chlamydia/gonorrhea can affect male fertility.
  • Fertility damage is PREVENTABLE — annual chlamydia screening for under-25 women reduces PID dramatically.

Context Most Pages Skip

The infertility connection is the strongest argument for routine STI screening. Chlamydia is often silent, and by the time fertility is affected, the damage is permanent.

Pre-conception planning

If you are planning pregnancy, request a full STI panel as part of pre-conception counseling. Treating any positives before trying to conceive eliminates the fertility risk from that specific infection.

⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.