No one wants to think they have an STD, but the reality is that half of the sexually active people in the United States will contract one by the age of 25. Not getting treatment could lead to fertility issues, in which case you’ll need to consult an infertility clinic if you decide to have children. Learn more about how to spot STDs and why regular testing is necessary if you want to avoid infertility treatments in the future.

Symptoms in Men

Different STDs have different symptoms, and in men, they can take days or even weeks to present. The most common symptoms are rash or blisters on the genitals, pain when you urinate or ejaculate, and unusual discharge. You may also experience itching, pain, and swelling in your groin area. Many STDs cause chronic flu-like symptoms too, such as fever and sore throat, or even joint inflammation.

Symptoms in Women

Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms when they have an STD. Warning signs include unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pain when urinating, and itching, rashes, and blisters around the genitalia. Other, less common symptoms include lower back pain, pelvic pain, spotting between periods, nausea, fever, and joint swelling.

The Importance of Getting Checked

Whether or not you have symptoms, it’s imperative that you get tested for STDs regularly as long as you’re sexually active. Most people don’t experience symptoms. If they do, the symptoms are often mild, and they don’t recognize them as indicating an STD.

If you have an STD and don’t get treatment, it may have permanent consequences. For example, common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea left untreated in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which damages reproductive organs like the Fallopian tubes and uterus. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women who have PID will need to see an infertility clinic if they want to have children.

If you’re having trouble conceiving because of an STD, the experienced fertility team at the Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute is here to help. Established in Honolulu, HI, in 1985, the infertility clinic offers a range of infertility treatments to give you the best chance at starting a family, from in vitro fertilization to egg preservation. Browse their fertility options online, and call (808) 946-2226 to schedule an appointment at the infertility clinic.