After trying to conceive for a year, a couple consults an infertility specialist. When obtaining a history from the husband, Nurse Jessica inquires about childhood infectious diseases. Which childhood infectious disease most significantly affects male fertility?
A. Chickenpox
B. Measles
C. Mumps
D. Scarlet fever
Correct Answer: C. Mumps
Mumps is the most significant childhood infectious disease affecting male fertility. Chickenpox, measles, and scarlet fever don’t affect male fertility. Orchitis caused due to mumps becomes noticeable in the first week of contracting the disease. The scrotum swells up causing intense pain and the scrotal skin turns red in color indicating infection. Pain usually disappears within 5 days but there could be testicular shrinkage. Studies suggest that anti-sperm antibodies may be the factor that negatively impacts male fertility in such cases.
Option A: Chickenpox can affect male fertility, but typically only for a short time during and after the viral infection. Sperm production and fertility should return to normal after the viral infection subsides and testicular inflammation and/or infection passes. If long-term male infertility is noted after an adult chickenpox infection, orchitis or epididymitis could have had a more prominent effect on sperm production and medical attention may be required.
Option B: Since rubella infection is extremely dangerous for unborn babies, women of childbearing age are advised to undergo rubella immunity testing before trying to conceive. If immunity cannot be established, they are asked to be vaccinated. Before infertility treatment, doctors will advise you to vaccinate for rubella due to the harmful effect it has on the unborn baby.
Option D: In general, appropriately diagnosed and treated scarlet fever results in few if any long-term effects. However, if complications develop for whatever reason, problems that include kidney damage, hepatitis, vasculitis, septicemia, congestive heart failure, and even death may occur.
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