Yes, you can get pregnant with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The presence of an infection does not automatically prevent conception from occurring. STDs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that pass through sexual contact.
Fertility is a separate biological process, meaning a woman can be both infected with an STD and capable of becoming pregnant. While an STD does not prevent a pregnancy from starting, an untreated infection introduces significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.
How STDs Affect the Ability to Conceive
Certain untreated infections can cause inflammation and scarring that physically obstructs the reproductive tract, which can delay or prevent pregnancy. Untreated bacterial STDs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea, are the most frequent causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is an infection that spreads from the vagina and cervix up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
When the infection reaches the fallopian tubes, it causes inflammation and damage, leading to scar tissue formation. This scarring can partially or completely block the tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting for fertilization. Damage to the tubes also increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying STD before attempting conception is the best way to prevent this damage and protect future fertility.
Complications During Pregnancy
Once a pregnancy is established, an active STD can introduce serious complications for the mother and the fetus. Infections can lead to an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including miscarriage (loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week) and premature rupture of membranes. Untreated bacterial infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia are also associated with an increased likelihood of preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation).
Some infections, such as syphilis, HIV, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV), can cross the placenta and directly infect the developing fetus. Syphilis is highly concerning as it can lead to severe infections, stillbirth, or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive mothers can significantly reduce the virus’s transmission risk to the fetus. Early detection and treatment are paramount to minimizing these risks to the unborn child.
Transmission to the Newborn
Risks to the baby are not limited to the time inside the womb; transmission can also occur during the birth process as the baby passes through the birth canal. This is known as vertical transmission and is the main route for several STDs. For example, a baby exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) from active genital lesions during a vaginal delivery is at risk of developing neonatal herpes. This can cause severe, life-threatening infection of the eyes and central nervous system.
To prevent this, a Cesarean section is often recommended for mothers who have an active genital herpes outbreak at the time of labor. Similarly, exposure to gonorrhea and chlamydia during delivery can cause severe eye infections, known as neonatal conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can also lead to pneumonia in the newborn. Treatment of these infections in the mother before delivery is the main method for preventing these immediate newborn complications.
Essential Screening and Treatment
The most effective way to protect both the mother and the baby is through routine STD screening and immediate treatment during prenatal care. Medical guidelines recommend testing all pregnant women for infections like Syphilis and HIV at the first prenatal visit. Women under 25 or those with risk factors are often screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea at the initial visit and retested in the third trimester.
Many bacterial STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are curable with antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy. Treatment effectively eliminates the infection and significantly lowers the chances of transmission to the baby and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For viral STDs like HIV or Herpes, while not curable, antiviral medications can be administered to the mother. These medications manage the infection, suppress the viral load, and substantially reduce the risk of transmission to the child.