Auntie Stella

7. I had an STI – am I infertile?

Theme: Sexually transmitted infections

Dear Auntie Stella

I broke up with my boyfriend a few months ago because I knew he was sleeping with other girls. Then a week ago he came to say that he has an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and that I should go for a check-up in case he gave it to me.

Anyway, I went to the clinic yesterday and after some tests the nurse told me I have an STI. She said I MUST take all the pills because, if I don’t, I may end up not being able to have children.

Now, that really scares me! I want to have lots of kids when I’m older and have found the right guy. I’d die if I found out I could never get pregnant.

Auntie, is it true? Do you think I may never have kids? Please tell me. 

Fortunate

Talking points


  • Is it true that a boy or girl who has an untreated STI for a long time may become infertile? What else causes infertility?

  • What would you worry about most if you found that you were infertile and couldn’t have children?

  • When a couple cannot have children, do you think it is most often because:

    – the man is infertile?

    – the woman is infertile? – it could be either the man or the woman?

  • Do you think a couple can be happy without children?

  • Why or why not?

  • Do you know any ways that infertility can be cured?