How These 3 STIs Can
Lead to Infertility

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Key takeaways

• Untreated chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may impact fertility.
• These STIs are often asymptomatic, making regular testing essential for protecting reproductive health.
• Early detection and timely antibiotic treatment can help you avoid long-term complications like blocked fallopian tubes or epididymitis.
• Consistent use of barrier protection and screening after new or multiple sexual partners can help reduce infection risk.
• Addressing STIs promptly not only helps safeguard fertility but can also help lower the risk of pregnancy complications and transmission to others.

Did you know that 3 of the most common STIs in the US can also lead to infertility if left untreated? Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are often considered “harmless” since they can often be cured with a simple round of antibiotics, unlike herpes or HIV.

However, these 3 STIs can also easily slip under your radar undetected and if left untreated, can interfere with your ability to have children. There are millions of new infections each year, yet most of them remain asymptomatic—without regular screening, it’s very easy not to know you have an STI.

The good news is that if you do test positive, these STIs are all treatable. Treating early is key to protecting your health and the health of your sexual partners!

Can Untreated Chlamydia cause infertility?

Short answer: Yes—if chlamydia goes untreated, it can lead to complications that may impact fertility. But with early testing and treatment, you can fully protect your reproductive health.

Chlamydia is incredibly common (and often symptom-free), which is why regular screening (even at home) is such a big deal. When this infection sticks around unnoticed, it can move beyond the cervix and cause inflammation in the reproductive organs. That’s when fertility risks start to rise.

Here’s what to keep in mind when thinking about chlamydia and fertility:

• Chlamydia can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
• Even without symptoms, it can cause silent fallopian tube infections.
• Ongoing inflammation may lead to scarring or blocked fallopian tubes, which can make it harder to conceive.
• About 10–15% of untreated infections may progress to PID.

Factors that increase the risk of fertility complications

• Not knowing you’re infected (chlamydia is often symptomless)
• Delaying testing after a possible exposure
• Recurrent or repeat infections
• Having other untreated vaginal or reproductive infections at the same time
• Not using barrier protection consistently

Symptoms to watch for

• Painful intercourse
• Burning or discomfort when you pee
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

Thankfully, Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, and catching it early is the best way to help you avoid any long-term impact on your fertility. Regular screening, barrier protection, and getting tested after new partners are simple ways to stay in control of your reproductive health.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

Can Untreated Gonorrhea cause infertility?

Yes—untreated gonorrhea can lead to complications that may impact fertility in people of all genders. The infection is common, often symptom-free, and becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant, which makes early testing and prescription treatment especially important.

Gonorrhea often appears alongside chlamydia and is most common in people ages 15–24. Because symptoms don’t always show up, regular screening and consistent barrier protection are your best tools for staying healthy.

Factors to consider when thinking about fertility and gonorrhea:

• Gonorrhea is frequently asymptomatic, so you may not know you have it.
• Rates of antibiotic resistance are rising, which makes timely treatment critical.
• Recurrent or untreated infections can increase the risk of long-term complications.
• Anyone with internal reproductive organs is at higher risk for fertility-related issues from untreated infections.
• People with external reproductive organs can also experience complications that affect fertility.

What happens when Gonorrhea is left untreated?

• Spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Lead to scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes
• Increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Cause epididymitis in men, which may affect sperm health and cause testicular pain
• Make it easier to contract or transmit other STIs

Symptoms to watch for

• Unusual discharge
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods

The good news? Gonorrhea is also very treatable—and getting tested regularly is the safest way to protect your fertility and your long-term reproductive health.

Can Untreated Trichomoniasis lead to infertility?

Yes—untreated trichomoniasis (trich) can sometimes lead to complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may affect fertility. The good news is that trich is treatable, and taking action early can help you avoid long-term issues.

Trich is a super common parasitic infection, and most people never notice symptoms. Unlike many other STIs, it’s actually more common in older women. It can also increase the risk of contracting or spreading HIV, and during pregnancy, it may raise the risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight.

Factors to consider when thinking about trich and fertility:

• Only about 30% of people with trich develop symptoms—you can have it without knowing.
• Trich is parasitic, not bacterial, so its treatment and transmission patterns are a little different.
• Older women are more likely to get trich than younger women.
• Trich can increase vaginal inflammation, which may raise the risk of other infections.
• Condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

What happens when trich is left untreated?

• May lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the reproductive organs
• Can increase the risk of fertility complications due to inflammation and infection
• Can raise the risk of preterm labor or low birth weight if you’re pregnant
• Can make it easier to acquire or transmit HIV

Symptoms to watch for

• Genital itching or burning
• Frothy or unusual vaginal discharge
• Discomfort while urinating
• Pain during sex

With quick testing and a prescription oral treatment, you can clear trich and get back to feeling like yourself—while protecting your reproductive health in the long run.

Taking care of your future fertility

Remember, with all three of these STIs, reinfection is possible if your partner isn’t treated at the same time or if you’re not using barrier protection. If you test positive, you can request a partner dose from your provider so your partner can get treated too—no separate appointment needed. It’s one of the easiest ways to help protect both of your health and avoid a frustrating cycle of reinfection.

If you’re feeling anxious about how past or current infections might affect your fertility, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Worrying about “What if this made me infertile?” is incredibly common, and getting answers can offer real peace of mind.

You can explore Wisp’s at-home fertility testing options to learn more about your reproductive health and get the clarity you need about what’s going on inside your body.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.