Back to glossary

Fertility Glossary

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

An infection passed between partners through sexual contact, some of which can affect fertility.

Infections

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Some STIs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can travel up into the uterus and fallopian tubes if untreated, causing pelvic inflammatory disease and later tubal-factor infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Many STIs cause no symptoms at all, which is why screening — rather than waiting for symptoms — is part of a thorough fertility work-up in India, and why both partners may need testing and, where positive, treatment.

Also known as: STI, STD

Related India guides

Sources

  • National AIDS Control Organisation, Government of India (naco.gov.in)
  • World Health Organization (who.int)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Reproductive tract infection (RTI)

An infection of the genital tract, which may or may not be sexually transmitted.

Chlamydia

A common bacterial STI that often has no symptoms but can silently damage the fallopian tubes.

Gonorrhoea

A bacterial STI that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal damage if untreated.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the upper genital tract — uterus, tubes and ovaries — that can damage fertility.

Tubal blockage

A fallopian tube that is closed off, stopping the egg and sperm from meeting normally.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.

Browse guides