Many women wonder about contraception, and whether cystitis plays a role in it, especially in women who suffer from chronic or recurrent cystitis. This question is not limited to women only, but can include men as well. Can cystitis affect the ability to conceive in both men and women? To answer this question, we must know that urinary tract infections are considered a common health problem that affects both sexes. In this article from       Dalili Medical, we will review whether cystitis is a real cause of delayed pregnancy or infertility.

**Can pregnancy occur with cystitis?**

 

Does cystitis affect the ability to conceive? To answer this question, there are a few studies that have addressed the effect of cystitis on fertility, and the results were inconclusive. However, interstitial cystitis can affect sexual life if it causes pain during sexual activity or worsens the condition, which may lead to difficulty in getting pregnant.

**Does cystitis cause infertility?**

 

Severe urinary tract infections that are not treated for a long time can lead to delayed pregnancy or infertility, especially if the infection spreads to the reproductive system, such as the fallopian tubes and uterus, which may cause pelvic inflammatory disease. All of these problems hinder and reduce the chances of pregnancy. For men, these infections may affect or reduce sperm production due to their effect on the testicles and prostate, or may cause blockage in one of the reproductive tract tubes.

Can pregnancy occur in the case of urinary tract infections?

 

In general, urinary tract infections do not prevent pregnancy or directly cause infertility, and are not the main reason behind delayed pregnancy. However, in some rare cases, severe and recurrent infections that are not treated quickly can lead to fertility problems. If these infections persist for a long time, they may spread to parts of the reproductive system in both men and women. For example, they can lead to blockage in the fallopian tubes and the formation of pus inside them, or they may affect the prostate, leading to inflammation that affects the number and quality of sperm.

**Factors that increase the likelihood of developing urinary tract infections**

Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections due to the structure of their urinary tract, which makes them more susceptible to infection. In addition, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing these infections:

- Weakened immunity resulting from diabetes.

- Urinary tract infection after sexual activity, as vaginal bacteria can be transferred to the urinary tract and vice versa.

- Undergoing urinary tract surgeries.

- Age, as children and the elderly are more susceptible.

- Enlarged prostate.

- Use of a urinary catheter.

- Any condition that affects the flow of urine, such as kidney stones.

- Having sex three or more times a week.

- Hot climates with little water intake

Can urinary tract infection lead to infertility in men?

 

Sometimes, inflammation of the bladder or urethra may be accompanied by the spread of inflammation to the glands and reproductive vessels. Sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through the urethra to different parts of the reproductive system, leading to a group of diseases that may hinder pregnancy, including:

- Orchitis.

- Epididymitis.

- Funiculitis.

- Prostatitis.

- Seminal vesiculitis.

These infections can lead to infertility in men through several changes, such as the formation of pus in the semen, which leads to the death of sperm or poor motility (athenospermia or necrospermia). Inflammation of the seminal vesicle can also cause its blockage, leading to obstructive azospermia. It is necessary to treat urethritis in men because it may negatively affect fertility if it causes inflammation of the vessels and reproductive glands. In addition, chronic urinary tract infection can lead to the formation of stones, which can cause urinary tract obstruction and kidney failure.

How does a urinary tract infection affect sperm?

 

Can cystitis prevent pregnancy? And could the man be the cause? Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, due to their shorter urethra. However, these infections can also affect men due to the accumulation of bacteria in the urinary tract, and sometimes due to sexually transmitted infections. A urinary tract infection can develop to affect the urethra, bladder, prostate, or kidneys, which can negatively affect fertility. This happens because the number of white blood cells in the area to fight the infection increases, which can release substances that negatively affect sperm. A doctor can diagnose this condition through a semen analysis, which shows a large number of white blood cells, and prescribes antibiotics to improve fertility.

Does cystitis affect women's ability to get pregnant?

 

UTIs are not usually a direct cause of infertility in women, but in rare cases, infertility may be linked to a UTI. Although urine and genital fluids do not share the same pathways, bacteria can travel from the urethra to the vagina and enter the reproductive system. Infections can also travel from the vagina or vulva to the urethra. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause damage, inflammation, and scarring of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which can contribute to infertility.

What does vaginitis look like?

 

Vaginitis usually appears as rednessOr swelling in the vaginal area, and it may sometimes be accompanied by abnormal discharge, irritation, or ulcers. The appearance varies depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Does vaginitis affect pregnancy?

 

Some bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, can lead to premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the fetus.

Can pregnancy occur with inflammation?

 

If you have a single fallopian tube infection, the chance of infertility is 15%, and this percentage may increase to 50% if you have the infection three times.

How long does vaginitis last?

 

The duration of vaginitis varies depending on the cause. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections can usually clear up within a week with proper treatment, while trichomoniasis may take longer to heal.

What should I do if symptoms return after treatment?

 

You should see your health care provider for re-evaluation. They may adjust your treatment plan or look for other possible causes.

Can vaginitis cause bleeding?

 

Yes, vaginitis can cause vaginal bleeding due to inflammation or irritation of the vaginal tissues.

Can vaginitis go away on its own?

 

It depends on the cause. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections usually require treatment, but some mild cases of yeast infections may resolve without treatment.

Is vaginitis contagious?

 

Yes, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis can be transmitted through sexual contact. Non-infectious causes of vaginitis, such as chemical irritation, are not contagious.

Why do I keep getting vaginitis?

 

Recurrent vaginitis can be caused by factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, diabetes, a weakened immune system, or inadequate treatment of sexual partners. Consulting a health care provider can help identify and treat underlying causes.

Do vaginal infections affect the success of IVF?

 

Many women who are planning to undergo IVF and have some vaginal infections ask if these infections affect the success rate of the procedure.

Many gynecologists and IVF specialists advise women who suffer from vaginal infections to treat them before starting the IVF procedure, due to their potential impact on the results of the procedure and their ability to cause its failure.

Vaginal infections affect the success of IVF in several ways, including:

1. **Reduced egg quality**: Infections can damage the eggs and reduce the chances of pregnancy.

2. **Reduced chances of embryo implantation**: This is due to changes in the uterine environment resulting from these infections.

3. **Increased risk of uterine infections**: As a result of not treating vaginal infections, which may lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

How will the medication used to treat vaginitis interact with my other medications?

 

Medications used to treat vaginitis may interact with other medications, which may reduce their effectiveness or cause side effects. Consult your doctor to ensure safe use.

Do bacterial vaginosis affect delayed pregnancy?

 

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition among infertile women, compared to women with high fertility. Bacterial vaginosis and other types of infections, especially infections resulting from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), can affect a woman's fertility in several ways:

1. Increased activity of the immune system that fights infection and inflammation, which creates an unfavorable environment for reproduction and fertilization.

2. Destruction of some vaginal tissue cells and sperm, which highlights the effect of vaginal infections on delayed pregnancy.

3. Reducing healthy vaginal secretions during ovulation.

4. Formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, which leads to their blockage, and thus the sperm does not meet the egg, which proves that vaginal infections may cause delayed pregnancy.

5. Changing the nature of vaginal secretions that act as a line of defense against infection, which makes the vagina more susceptible to other types of infections.

Bacterial vaginosis affects existing pregnancy through the following points:

1. Increases the likelihood of losing a chemical pregnancy and a pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF).

2. Increases the rate of miscarriage.

3. Increases the chances of premature births, which exposes the newborn to complications of low birth weight.

4. Exposes the mother to the risk of infection after birth.

**Prevention of urinary tract infections**

Urinary tract infections are common and recurring infections, which may result from several factors. However, the risk of infection can be reduced by following some preventive guidelines and tips, including:

1. Wash your hands well before using the toilet.

2. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to urinate, making sure to empty it completely.

3. After using the toilet, it is preferable to wipe from front to back, and avoid wiping back and forth with the same toilet paper.

4. Drink enough water, ranging from six to eight cups per day.

5. Use unscented liquid soap while bathing.

6. Clean your genital area before sex.

7. Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.

8. Use a water-based lubricant during sex.

9. Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing, and avoiding tight jeans and nylon underwear that may retain moisture, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to grow.

10. Take vitamin C to boost your immunity against infection.

By following these tips, you can reduce your chances of getting a urinary tract infection.