Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a serious negative impact on the ability to have children, according to senior clinical embryologist Declan Keane.
These infections are on the rise here – chlamydia increased by 7.1pc in 2014 compared to 2013.
Mr Keane, who practises in ReproMed clinic, said Irish people tend to ignore these infections and may be unaware they are actively infected.
They regularly delay treatment and are generally not informed as to their seriousness. One in six couples in Ireland are affected by infertility. Male infertility is just as common as female infertility, but sexually transmitted infections are more likely to cause problems with female fertility.
Source: Independent