Can skin infections effect semen or sprem or pregnancy

[troubled2010]

If someone has a skin infection around penis or groin like a jock itch etc, I know that can be transfered to the partner while having sex. But can it be transfered to foetus while travelling through semen or sperms. Can that effect the fertilization etc ?

[troubled2010]

Thanks for your response. Since yeast, fungal, dermatitis, intertrigo infections are recurring at times for prolonged periods and tests are misleading at times, so what is the best approach. What if instead of intercourse we plan to do a sperm storage and then IUI etc. To make sure we are having a healthy baby, what tests should be get done to see if infection is internal too and at what stage. I am only concerned about skin infections, not STD's

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Yes it is advisable to refrain from intercourse if you have any of these infections. Also it is mandatory for a pregnant lady to get tested for these sexually transmitted diseases and even if one is thinking about conceiving then she should get tested for these diseases.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[troubled2010]

Thanks for your response. I believe you said HIV skin rashes, not just skin rashes. So if someone has yeast or fungus or dermatitis infection, one should not do sex to avoid transfers. Because some of these are recurring at times, even though it seems they are gone. So what precautions one should take, to avoid transfers of even these common skin problems. Are there any pre-natal tests etc which can help with this ?. I would really appreciate your response

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Yes skin infections like HIV skin rashes, herpes, HPV and molluscum can be transmitted through sexual intercopurse and can effect a fetus as well if the lady is pregnant. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are bacterial infections that increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects and can be transmitted by sexual contact.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.