Gonorrhea can lead to infertility and other health effects if left untreated. Antibiotic treatment can cure gonorrhea and reduce your chance of long-term complications.
Infertility is a complication of untreated gonorrhea in both men and women.
In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility.
In men, untreated gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube behind the testicles that holds sperm. The infection can lead to fertility issues via blocked sperm ducts.
This article takes a closer look at how untreated gonorrhea can affect fertility in men and women, and how to avoid these complications.
When left untreated, gonorrhea can move into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
This can lead to infertility as it can cause:
- scarring or blocking of the fallopian tubes
- ectopic pregnancy, which happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a painful condition that can damage the reproductive organs
When the fallopian tubes are blocked, it leads to infertility because the egg and sperm cannot meet. This is termed tubal factor infertility (TBI). TBI accounts for
Gonorrhea may also pass to a newborn during delivery and may cause an eye infection. However, certain medications can prevent gonorrhea from affecting a developing pregnancy or transmitting during childbirth.
If you have a penis, untreated gonorrhea can also lead to infertility, according to research.
This is because it can cause:
- scarring of the urethra
- an abscess inside your penis
- epididymitis, which is inflammation of the semen-carrying tubes near your testicles
STIs like gonorrhea can also affect sperm quality.
The only way to know whether you’ve contracted gonorrhea is to
Gonorrhea can’t be treated with over-the-counter or home remedies. However, antibiotics can usually cure gonorrhea.
Next steps if you think you have gonorrhea
If you think you have gonorrhea, the first step is to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for a test.
You can also access free or lower cost STI diagnosis and treatment at:
- state-sponsored health clinics
- student wellness centers, if you’re a student
- Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit health organizations
- LGBTQIA+ centers
It’s important to note that gonorrhea is treatable, but over-the-counter or home remedies don’t treat it.
Gonnorhea and chlamydia can both cause infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is because they can cause PID and tubal factor infertility.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn’t directly cause infertility. However, some strains of HPV could lead to cervical cancer, which can affect your reproductive abilities if it is not treated.
According to research, herpes may contribute to male infertility.
No. With the right treatment, gonorrhea can be cured. However, if your gonorrhea is left untreated, it can cause a range of health complications.
If you have or suspect you have gonorrhea, make a medical appointment as soon as possible.
Yes, it’s possible to have a baby if you’ve had gonorrhea. However, if left untreated, gonorrhea can affect your fertility. It’s best to treat the condition as soon as possible.
Generally, infertility means that you haven’t been able to get pregnant after a year of trying to conceive. If you’re over 35 years of age, infertility is when you haven’t been able to get pregnant after 6 months of trying.
Gonorrhea is usually treatable, and it is possible to become pregnant after having gonorrhea.
However, if left untreated, the condition can affect your reproductive health and cause infertility, among other health issues.
If you have or think you may have gonorrhea, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional. Gonorrhea cannot be treated with over-the-counter products or home remedies.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.