WEDNESDAY, April 28, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Chlamydia infection in men is linked to infertility, says a Swedish study in the May issue of the journal Human Reproduction.
It was already known that chlamydia infection in women was linked to infertility. This is the first time such a link has been identified in men. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.
The study of 244 couples found decreased pregnancy rates in couples where the man had IgG antibodies, which act as a marker of previous or persistent chlamydia infection. The researchers concluded that the chance of a couple achieving pregnancy was reduced by 33 percent if the man was IgG-positive.
"Our findings show that it is not only women that need to be concerned about contracting chlamydia. Men need to be aware that this is potentially serious for them as well," research team leader Jan Olofsson said in a prepared statement.
He and his colleagues suggest that testing for IgG in both men and women should be included in routine infertility work-ups. About 50 percent of men and 90 percent of women with chlamydia infection have no symptoms.
More information
The Nemours Foundation has more about chlamydia.
