Actinomyces can cause infertility in both men and women. In women, they can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility. In men, they can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs, which can lead to difficulty with ejaculation or reduce sperm motility.
In women, Actinomyces can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the reproductive organs. PID can cause the fallopian tubes to become blocked, which can prevent sperm from reaching the egg and cause infertility. Other complications of PID include chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased risk of miscarriage.
In men, Actinomyces can cause epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis. Epididymitis can lead to difficulty with ejaculation and reduced sperm motility, which can make it difficult for a man to become pregnant.
Actinomyces can also cause prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate gland. Prostatitis can lead to difficulty with urinating and can cause inflammation of the sperm-producing tubes in the testes, which can lead to reduced sperm production and motility.
In conclusion, Actinomyces can cause infertility in both men and women by causing inflammation of the reproductive organs, which can lead to difficulty with ejaculation or reduced sperm motility in men, and blocked fallopian tubes in women. If left untreated, Actinomyces can lead to serious complications, such as PID, epididymitis, and prostatitis. Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment if you suspect that you may have an Actinomyces infection.