Can I get pregnant if I have a sexually transmitted disease?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, whether or not a person can become pregnant after contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) depends on the specific type and severity of the STD. If the individual has syphilis or gonorrhea, pregnancy is usually possible. However, if the person has genital warts (human papillomavirus) or HIV/AIDS, pregnancy is typically not recommended. It is advised to maintain good hygiene of the perineal area, change underwear daily, and clean the external genitalia regularly to prevent infections.

Generally speaking, whether one can get pregnant after contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) depends on the specific type and severity of the disease. If the STD is syphilis or gonorrhea, pregnancy is usually possible; however, if the disease is genital warts or HIV/AIDS, pregnancy is typically not advisable. If experiencing any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the STD is syphilis or gonorrhea and the condition is mild or has been effectively treated and controlled, then generally pregnancy is possible. This is because, once controlled, these diseases typically do not affect the quality of sperm or eggs, nor do they interfere with fertilization and embryo implantation.

If the STD is a more severe condition such as genital warts or HIV/AIDS, or if the STD is severe and has not been effectively treated, pregnancy is generally not recommended. This is because these diseases may worsen during pregnancy and could potentially be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, significantly affecting fetal development. Additionally, even if certain STDs do not directly impact fetal development, medication required during pregnancy might have adverse effects on the fetus. Therefore, in such cases, treatment should be pursued first, and pregnancy considered only after the condition has stabilized or been cured.

It is recommended to maintain good genital hygiene, change underwear daily, and clean the external genital area regularly to prevent infections.