Keeping cats is often associated with various myths. Many parents still forbid their daughters from playing with or keeping cats, fearing it could lead to difficulty conceiving or even infertility later in life. However, this assumption is not entirely true. What needs to be watched out for isn't the cat's fur or presence, but rather the Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection, which can cause toxoplasmosis. By understanding how it's transmitted, cat owners can still keep cats and have a safe pregnancy.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii . Most infected people experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. In people with healthy immune systems, the infection can generally be controlled by the immune system.
However, this condition is of particular concern for pregnant women. If infection occurs for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and the baby's development.
Does Toxoplasmosis Cause Infertility?
To date, there is no scientific evidence that toxoplasmosis directly causes infertility in men or women. Most people who have been infected can still have children and have normal pregnancies.
The greatest risk arises if the infection first occurs during pregnancy. This can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, or birth defects, such as impaired vision, hearing, and nervous system development in the baby.
Who Needs a Toxoplasma Test?
Not everyone needs to be tested for toxoplasmosis. Doctors usually recommend testing for women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and have risk factors, such as frequently consuming undercooked meat, gardening without gloves, or suspected exposure to a source of infection.
Just because you have a pet cat doesn't mean you need to undergo a test. The decision to undergo testing should be based on a consultation with a doctor.
How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis prevention can be done with simple steps, including:
- Cook the meat until perfectly cooked.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
- Wash your hands after handling raw meat, gardening, or touching soil.
- Wear gloves when cleaning the cat litter box, then wash your hands afterward.
- Clean the litter box daily because parasites only become infectious about 1–5 days after they are excreted in the feces.
- Give cooked food or special food to cats and do not let them hunt wild animals.
Conclusion
Owning a cat doesn't cause infertility or difficulty conceiving. What you should be wary of is Toxoplasma gondii infection , especially if it occurs for the first time during pregnancy. Interestingly, most cases of toxoplasmosis are linked to consuming undercooked meat or exposure to contaminated soil, not cat dander.
If you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or have risk factors for toxoplasmosis, consult an ob-gyn to determine if further testing is necessary. With the right information and proper preventive measures, you can maintain your health while enjoying the company of your pet cat.
This article was written by Dr. Lisa Puspadewi Susanto, Sp.OG, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).