Why You Should Get Your Routine OB-GYN Check-up Before TTC
While they have been around through most of time, the conversation about sexually-transmitted infections often reminds us of sex-ed at school. We often leave the topic behind especially when in a long-term relationship.
However, the rate of STDs are increasing in the US and globally. The WHO estimates that one million people globally are infected every day. Infertility issues can be caused by infections—whether something like chronic BV and candida (which are sexually transmitted although many of us don’t realize that) or the more commonly known ones like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Are women more likely to have symptoms of STDs than men?
Interesting, women are less likely than men to have symptoms of most STDs. This is especially seen in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Even if some do experience symptoms, they can go away while the infection still remains.
Genital ulcers, like herpes and warts, can occur inside of the vagina. They may not be as easily detectable in comparison to where they would appear on men.
Women may be more likely to confuse symptoms for other conditions. Burning, discharge, itching can easily be mistaken for a yeast infection, for example.
Is it easier for women to get an STD than men?
A woman’s anatomy can place her at a higher risk for infection, as the skin of a vagina is much more delicate and thinner, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter. The vagina can be a more ideal environment for bacteria to harbor and grow.
Can an STD affect fertility?
While human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common for men, most do not develop serious side effects. In most cases, HPV will go away on its own within two years. But in some cases, side effects can occur including warts and cervical cancer.
For women, HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Every year, nearly 12,000 women living in the US will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) as bacteria can spread from the vagina into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
These symptoms may also be mild or difficult to recognize. Complications can include chronic pelvic pain and life threatening tubo-ovarian abscess. PID can cause ectopic pregnancy, as scar tissue can develop in the fallopian tubes and prevent the fertilized egg from making its way through the fallopian tube to implanting in the uterus. It can also lead to infertility, as damage to the reproductive organs can create inability to become pregnant.
This diagnosis often comes late in a fertility clinic. This is why it’s important to get a full pap smear and work-up at a fertility clinic to assess for any possible PID. You can do this now even if you are not planning to try to conceive right away. Get ahead on your health and make sure infections won’t impact your fertility down the line.
Can a mother spread an STD to her baby?
Getting a regular pap smear is important for fertility, but also for pregnancy and your future baby.
While STD’s are spread predominantly through sexual contact, they can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Mother to child transmission can result in brain damage, cognitive disabilities, infections, low birth weights, premature birth, and stillbirths. Screening before and during pregnancy is vital to make sure that an STD is not passed on.
If an infection is caught, most can be treated during pregnancy. This includes bacteria vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. These can be treated with antibiotics during pregnancy.
Herpes, hepatitis B, or HIV cannot be cured. However, these infections can be treated with medication and other preventative methods to reduce the risk of spreading. In these cases, your ob-gyn might recommend a c-section for safety during delivery.
What to ask for at your check-up
Not all tests check for “everything”. You want to request a full panel that includes BV, candida, all STDs, HPV, herpes and HIV. This should consist of a vaginal swab, urine culture and blood test.
A standard STD screening looks for chlamydia and gonorrhea and typically collected via urine sample, whereas testing for herpes, HPV, and HIV requires additional testing. Ask your provider to run a full panel of testing to make sure you check for everything.
Whether you’re TTC now or thinking about it for the future, making sure that you’re safe from STDs is the best way to keep your health and your future baby’s health safe!
The Simplina Full Fertility Functional Medicine & Coaching Program is 4 months for 8 total sessions. You and your partner (if they want to join) have a coaching session every two weeks. This customized functional medicine fertility plan will help you both improve your health status in ways to specifically increase pregnancy odds step-by-step with the support you need.