Many couples are not aware that some STD infections can affect sperm quality or motility. During a pre-pregnancy counseling, a physician should be aware of any STD infections a man or a woman had had previously or recently. Studies indicate that, although Chlamydia trachomatis causes symptomatic infection in the lower genital tract, it may lead to sperm apoptosis. Whereas, women also need to be aware that history of vaginal infection or its recurrences should be reported to the physician during such counseling session.
Looking at our cultural fabric where talking openly about vaginal infections etc. is avoided, it is likely that very few couples will mention it. Do you as their pre-conception counseling consultant enquire about the infection history specifically STD or Chlamydia trachomatis etc?
