Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Thinking about having children

Are you both sexually healthy?

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can go undetected for years.

Some, like chlamydia, can cause infertility in women while others, like syphilis, can be passed from mother to the baby during pregnancy.

Although many STIs can be treated successfully, it's better for the mother and the child if you can get treated before you become pregnant.

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Protecting the unborn child

With infections that can't be cured, like HIV, if doctors are aware a mother has the infection they can take steps to help protect the unborn child.

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Protecting newborns

Some STIs can be passed to the child after birth. If the infection is known about, you can take steps to prevent this from happening.

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Protecting your sexual health

If you're going to conceive, you're going to have to stop using contraception. This means that if either of you already have an STI, you could pass it on to your partner.

For all of the reasons, if you're thinking of starting a family with someone, it's a good idea for both of you to get tested.

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