Learn the truth behind the relationship between cat breeding and female infertility.

Women often wonder about the possibility of raising cats at home, as it is believed that these cats may cause sterility for women, so what is the truth of this belief and is there scientific evidence to support it?

Cats and toxoplasmosis

There is still no definitive scientific evidence confirming the relationship between cats and infertility, but various studies indicate the presence of a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii and causes infection with what is known as toxoplasmosis.

This disease would affect the health of the fetus if the pregnant woman was infected with it, and it could lead to blindness of the fetus or various disabilities.

This organism is transmitted to humans in three ways:

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1.  Meat that has not been cooked well.
2.  Eat foods that have been contaminated with this parasite due to direct contact with contaminated meat.
3.  Direct contact with animals and cats, especially those infected with the parasite.

What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?

Usually, people with this disease do not show any symptoms, so it is difficult to diagnose their infection with the disease, as this parasite can live inside the human body in a dormant or latent phase, and if symptoms appear on the patient, they are:

• High temperature
• Muscle pain
• Tired
• Swollen lymph glands.

The symptoms are more severe for the pregnant woman and her fetus, as it may expose it to blindness and various disabilities, as mentioned earlier.

A simple blood test can reveal the presence of this parasite in the body, so if you suspect you are infected, you must ask your doctor to undergo this test in order to maintain your safety and health, especially if you are a woman who wants to become pregnant or is already pregnant. 

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Does your previous infection affect your future pregnancy?

In general, if a woman becomes infected with toxoplasmosis 6-9 months before pregnancy, immunity to the disease develops, and she does not pass it on to her fetus in a future pregnancy, but of course every rule is anomalous.

What can happen if you contract the disease during pregnancy?

Women with the disease are able to transmit the parasite to the fetus through the placenta, and the symptoms of the disease are more severe on the fetus in the event of infection during the early stages of pregnancy, as this parasite may afflict them with blindness, various disabilities and the possibility of hearing loss in advanced stages of their life, as well as developing problems Learning.

Can the disease be treated during pregnancy?

This is possible by means of antibiotics, the more the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chances of treatment and preventing the parasite from reaching the fetus. In the event that the parasite actually reaches the fetus, treatment may contribute to reducing the severity and severity of the disease, and it is usually required from the mother to keep giving her child in the first year of his life some medicines that help him treat the disease.

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What should you do to protect yourself from the parasite?

• Ensure that the food is cooked to an appropriate temperature, taking into account that the pink color does not appear inside the steak and the juices resulting from it are eliminated.
• Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them
• Take into account washing the cutting board well before and after use, in addition to washing hands always and frequently, especially after contact with raw foods
• Wear appropriate gloves when working in the garden and the soil, as it may contain cat feces contaminated with the parasite
• Try to avoid direct contact with cats when pregnant and before planning pregnancy in sufficient time so that they do not become infected with the parasite and transmit it to the fetus.

In conclusion, cats can transmit the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which may harm your fetus, so avoid direct contact with these cats that may protect you and your fetus!