If you plan on having kids one day, here are some things you should know.
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Maybe you're actively trying to conceive a child. Or maybe you are pretty sure you want kids down the line. Or maybe you just want to keep your options open.
If any of those apply to you — whether you're a man or a woman, cisgender or transgender — here's what you have to know about how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) play a role in your future fertility.
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This is so important.
We're breaking this post apart into three sections:
1. STIs & Fertility — the basic facts about which STIs do what
2. How To Protect Yourself — how to keep yourself and your fertility safe
3. If You Want To Have A Baby — what to do if you've had any of these STIs and are trying to have a baby, or want to have a baby at some point in the future
If any of this stuff applies to you and you want to have kids (even in five or ten years down the line!), you should have a conversation about it with your doctor. They can help you assess your risk, and you can work together to come up with a plan that makes sense for you, based on your personal history.
OK, now let's get into it.
What you need to know.
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