Genito Urinary Infections (GUI's) and their effects on fertility.
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There are many genito-urinary infections. Some of these are transferred sexually and some are just bowel bugs, such as Klebsiella and Escherichia coli or 'E Coli'. There is also vaginal candida which is a fungal infection.
The one we tend to hear the most about is Chlamydia. A national count up a few years ago found 22% of women of child-bearing age had Chlamydia. Others commonly found are ureaplasma, mycoplasma, gardnerella, B-strep, haem. strep, staph. Aureas and staph. millerii. Any and all of these are bad news for fertility and for preconception.
A common fertility problem associated with chlamydia is blocked fallopian tubes - a consequence of the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which Chlamydia can lead to. Blocked fallopian tubes can be a cause for failure to conceive. If a conception and implantation does take place, there can still be miscarriage or premature birth may be more likely when there is a history of PID.
If a baby is born to an infected mother, it may be affected in a number of ways, including the following: 'Inclusion conjunctivitis' – an infection of the eyes which can sometimes lead to impaired sight. 'Pneumonitis' or inflammation of the lungs, which can lead to asthma later on. A greater tendency to 'Otis media' or middle ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss. Tendency to Gastro-enteritis which can lead to problems with digestion and diarrhoea. Urinary tract infections in the newborn and Vulvitis in female children, are all possibilities.
Generally if the mother has an infection it can enter any orifice of the baby at birth and the baby's health adversely affected as already outlined above. This is why we suggest that you visit your nearest GUI clinic or speak to your GP if you suspect that you may have been at risk of contracting a GUI in the past or with your present partner. It is important that both partners are tested even if apparently symptomless. Testing and treatment for GUIs can be very straightforward and is essential to optimising preconception health. Treatment is usually with anti-biotics, so we would recommend taking a B-vitamin complex and a good pro-biotic or natural of organic yoghurt (so long as you are not allergic to milk).
Homeopathy can also be a gentle and effective form of treatment, which will not have an impact upon the gut. Please get in touch with us to see if we have a Foresight-trained homeopathic practitioner in your local area on our list of practitioners. Alternatively, you can go the Society of Homeopaths or Alliance of Registered Homeopaths websites to find a professionally trained and registered homeopath.
Much unnecessary depression and exhaustion may be due to undiagnosed and therefore long term illness with GUI. Some common symptoms include:
| • | Vaginal irritation |
| • | Discharges, particularly when there is unpleasant odour (not be confused with the natural and harmless pre-ovulation discharge, which appears with every fertile cycle and disappears after ovulation has occurred – please get in touch if you would like to learn more about your fertile signs – we also refer you to the following website for more info – www.fertilityet.org.uk |
| • | Pain on intercourse |
| • | Pelvic pain generally |
| • | ME – permanent debilitating fatigue has in some cases been attributed to mycoplasmas |
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