What types of infection cause fertility problems?
• Infection in the testes (orchitis) can damage the sperm-producing tubes (seminiferous tubules) and stop sperm production. • Infections in the reproductive tract caused by sexually transmitted infections, particularly untreated gonorrhoea, may cause blockages in the tail of the epididymis or other parts of the male genital tract. • Non-specific epididymo-orchitis or prostate infections may sometimes cause blockages along the reproductive tract. Although an infection is often only temporary, severe damage can leave men permanently infertile. Mumps is the most common infection of the testes but is less likely to occur following the introduction of immunisation programs for children.
