Can STDs Affect My Pregnancy or Future Fertility?

September 25, 2026

If you are currently pregnant or hoping to grow your family someday, sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs) are worth your attention.

Many sexually transmitted infections cause no obvious symptoms, so it is possible to carry one for months without knowing. 

Left untreated, an STI or STD can quietly affect both a pregnancy and your ability to conceive later on.

At Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Clinic, we help you learn the facts and make an informed decision. Schedule your appointment today for no-cost pregnancy services. 

You can also read on to learn more about how STIs/STDs can affect your pregnancy or future fertility.

Why STDs Often Go Unnoticed

One dangerous aspect of STIs/STDs is how silent and unnoticeable they can be.

It is estimated that between 50% and 70% of people who have chlamydia never notice symptoms, and other common infections behave similarly.

Without testing, most people have no idea anything is wrong, while the STI/STD worsens and damages the reproductive system.

How an STD Can Affect Your Pregnancy

When an STD is present during pregnancy, it can create real risks for both the woman and baby. 

Depending on the infection, complications may even include preterm delivery and low birth weight. 

Some infections can also pass to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, leading to newborn illnesses such as pneumonia, eye infections, and, in some cases, permanent vision loss. 

That is why early detection of STIs/STDs is crucial, especially if you are pregnant. The sooner you know, the sooner you can start treatment or learn about your management options.

What About Future Fertility?

Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 

PID can scar the fallopian tubes, and that scarring may keep an egg from reaching the uterus.  The result can be difficulty getting pregnant and a higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition that needs prompt medical care. 

Treating an infection early is the best way to protect your fertility.

We Can Help

You don’t have to figure out all the answers on your own.

The team at Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Clinic is here for you. We provide free, confidential appointments where our trained staff can sit down with you, evaluate your needs, and provide the help you need.

If you think you might be pregnant, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests and a follow-up ultrasound if necessary. If you are concerned that you have an STI or STD, we can provide referrals to free, confidential testing resources you can trust. 

Contact Heart to Heart today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.