Dare2Care Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 1 Practice Exam 2026 - Free CNA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main risk associated with untreated bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is fertility issues. When bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, go untreated, they can lead to serious reproductive health complications. In women, these infections can ascend from the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes, potentially causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can result in scarring and damage to reproductive organs, which significantly increases the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain.

In men, untreated STIs can also lead to complications like inflammation of the testicles or epididymis, which may affect fertility as well. Addressing bacterial STIs promptly is crucial to prevent these serious long-term health risks. Although sepsis, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to other infections can also be consequences of untreated STIs, the principal and most direct threat related to bacterial STIs is related to the reproductive system and fertility.