Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States, with millions of people infected each year. One of the most devastating effects of chlamydia is its potential to cause infertility in women. Below, we will take a look at the link between chlamydia and fertility, as well as the available treatments for infertility.

Chlamydia and Fertility

When chlamydia is caught and treated early on, it can usually be controlled without complications developing. Chlamydia is most likely to affect fertility in cases where it progresses to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a condition in which the female reproductive tract becomes inflamed and scar tissue develops. This can block the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. The more episodes of PID a woman has, the more likely she is to develop infertility.

Symptoms of chlamydia include a feeling of burning during urination, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, and lower abdominal pain. If you have any symptoms of chlamydia, or have had unprotected sex, you should contact your doctor for STD testing. You should also visit a doctor if you have symptoms of PID. PID can cause many of the same symptoms as a simple chlamydia infection, but may also cause symptoms such as fever or irregular menstrual bleeding. When PID is caused by chlamydia, it is common for women to have only mild symptoms.‍

Treatment for Infertility

‍Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after trying to conceive for 12 months, or having 3 consecutive miscarriages. If you meet these criteria, or if you are over the age of 36 and have tried to conceive for 6 months, you should visit a doctor about your treatment options.If you have infertility that may have been caused by chlamydia, there are a variety of treatment options. If you are otherwise in good reproductive health, your doctor may recommend a procedure to clear the fallopian tubes, known as fallopian tube recanalization. In other cases, a more comprehensive treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be more appropriate. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you, and provide information about your chances of success. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about your fertility. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.