Untreated STIs are a cause of infertility and put unborn babies at risk

In recent years, the UK has seen a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Health Protection Agency (HPA) states that gonorrhoea infections have increased by almost 25% between 2010 - 2011, with syphilis and herpes increasing by 10% and 4.6% respectively. However, many cases of STIs remain undiagnosed and untreated, and can have a devastating effect on general health and fertility. Long-term untreated STIs are one of the main causes of infertility in young and otherwise healthy women. Infections such as Chlamydia can cause irreversible damage to the fallopian tubes, affecting the ability to conceive and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Some STIs increase the risk of premature birth or even stillbirth for expectant mothers; others can infect the baby during childbirth. But it isn’t just women who can be affected: the motility and viability of sperm is significantly reduced in men with STIs such as Chlamydia or trichomoniasis. It is therefore vital to seek STI testing if you plan to start a family, or for those planning to be a donor to help others conceive (sperm donors in particular should be screened for a range of STIs). With recent advances in diagnostic technology, accurate and reliable testing for various conditions can be performed in the privacy of your own home, without visiting a specialist. With this in mind, Randox Laboratories Ltd, a leading UK clinical diagnostics company, have developed Confidante®: a home use STI test which can simultaneously detect 10 of the most common STIs, including Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. (Available both online and in selected pharmacies) When both donors and parents-to-be perform a comprehensive STI test pre-conception, they can be sure that they have the best chance of a healthy, happy pregnancy, without the risk of infection to themselves or the unborn child, and give their baby the best possible start in life. Article: 9th April 2012 www.confidantetest.com