STIs Threaten Women's Health and Fertility

Recent findings highlight a dire situation: sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are emerging as critical threats to women's fertility and overall health, especially among those of reproductive age. A compelling study published in *Scientific Reports* reveals that infection-induced infertility is soaring, raising urgent public health concerns.

A Growing Epidemic of Infertility

The World Health Organization reports that approximately one in six individuals globally face infertility, amounting to about 17.5% of the adult population. Alarmingly, this issue is exacerbated among women affected by STIs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for instance, significantly increase risks for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and tubal factor infertility (TFI), two major contributors to female infertility.

Understanding the Impact of STIs Over Three Decades

Research teams have recently turned their focus on understanding how STIs influence maternal health outcomes over a 30-year span. With women's unique urogenital anatomy making them more susceptible to infections, the study aims to unveil the global implications of such conditions.

Staggering Statistics: Infertility Rates on the Rise

Between 1990 and 2021, data from 164 countries revealed a troubling trend: infertility cases related to infections increased by nearly 8 million, surging from just under 11.3 million to over 19 million. Alongside this, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) rose sharply, indicating that more women are living with infection-related infertility than ever before.

Geographical Disparities in STIs and Infertility

The study underscores significant geographic disparities, noting that women in low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions face the highest burden from infection-related infertility. While these areas are showing improvements, challenges in middle-to-high-income regions are surging, heightening the need for immediate action.

A Call to Action for Policymakers

The study concludes by pointing out that the primary culprits behind global infertility linked to infections are various STIs, especially chlamydia. Researchers advocate for policymakers to intensify efforts in STI prevention and treatment to address this escalating issue. The findings highlight not only the urgent necessity for targeted interventions in low-SDI regions but also the critical need for broader awareness about the impact of STIs on female fertility worldwide.

As the global health community grapples with this mounting crisis, prioritizing investment in STI screening and treatment is essential to safeguard women's reproductive health.