Will chronic prostatitis cause infertility?

Chronic prostatitis may lead to infertility, but the probability is low. Chronic prostatitis may affect semen quality, leading to decreased sperm motility or abnormal semen liquefaction, which may have a certain impact on fertility. Most patients' fertility will not be affected by standard treatment, but a few severe cases may suffer from fertility disorders.

Infertility caused by chronic prostatitis is more common in patients who have not received standardized treatment for a long time. The inflammatory reaction may change the composition of semen, increase the number of white blood cells in semen, and increase the level of inflammatory factors. These changes may interfere with sperm function. Reduced liquefaction enzyme secreted by the prostate may cause semen to not liquefy, affecting sperm motility. Changes in semen pH may reduce sperm survival. The combination of these factors may reduce the chance of pregnancy.

A small number of patients may develop more serious fertility problems. Severe chronic prostatitis may cause blockage of the vas deferens or epididymitis, directly hindering sperm discharge. Long-term chronic inflammation may lead to impaired testicular function and affect sperm production. An autoimmune reaction may produce antisperm antibodies, leading to immune infertility. These situations are relatively rare in clinical practice and are usually related to long disease course and untimely treatment.

Patients with chronic prostatitis should maintain a regular schedule and avoid prolonged sitting and overexertion. Proper sitz bathing with warm water can help relieve symptoms. You should reduce your intake of spicy and irritating foods and drink more water to promote urination. Regularly review prostate fluid and semen routine to detect abnormalities in time. During pregnancy preparation, you can consult an andrologist to optimize semen if necessary. Maintain a good attitude and most patients' reproductive function will not be seriously affected.