If you are planning to have an IVF procedure, our team will ask you for a few lab tests, including an STD Panel.
This blog intends to explain what diseases are we looking for, and why:
Hepatitis C: Women with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have fewer live births and face a higher risk of miscarriage, infertility, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. HCV-positive women of childbearing age undergo premature ovarian deterioration.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is caused primarily by gonorrhea or chlamydia infection leads to infertility in about 20 percent of women who have the condition. Most women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms.
Syphilis: Untreated syphilis can cause infertility in both women and men. Later stages of the disease cause damage to organs and nerves, which can affect all the systems of the body, including the reproductive system.
HIV: Biological changes caused by HIV, including systemic illnesses, stress, and weight loss, may affect the function of reproductive organs and result in infertility. Newly diagnosed HIV infection may cause psychological trauma and decrease in sexual drive and sexual activity.
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