Some STIs, if left untreated, can harm fertility. In women, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can spread upward and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can scar the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men, these infections can cause epididymitis (inflammation near the testicles) that may affect sperm transport.
The damage often happens silently, because these infections frequently cause no symptoms. This is why screening and early treatment matter so much - treating chlamydia or gonorrhoea promptly usually prevents these complications entirely.
If you are planning a pregnancy or are concerned about fertility, an STI screen is a sensible step. A licensed doctor can advise on testing, treat any infection found, and discuss fertility assessment if you have had previous untreated infections or pelvic infections. Regular testing remains the most effective way to protect future fertility.