Global Patterns and Trends in Female Infertility Linked to Sexually Transmitted Infections from 1990 to 2021 - Report - MDSpire

Global Patterns and Trends in Female Infertility Linked to Sexually Transmitted Infections from 1990 to 2021

  • By

  • Tianyu Li

  • Siyu Long

  • Zhishan Ye

  • Zhichen Tang

  • Yaping Song

  • Min Su

  • Bin Zhou

  • Yanyun Wang

  • Lin Zhang

  • February 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Global Patterns and Trends in Female Infertility Linked to STIs (1990-2021)

Overview

This report evaluates the global burden of female infertility attributable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from 1990 to 2021, highlighting significant regional disparities and the impact of preventable infections. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes worldwide.

Background

Infertility affects 8%-12% of reproductive-aged individuals globally, with female factors contributing to 40%-50% of cases. STIs are implicated in nearly 30% of female infertility cases, leading to conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal factor infertility. Understanding the epidemiological trends of STIs-related infertility is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.

Data Highlights

{'1990': {'ASPR': 'actual_value', 'UI': 'actual_value'}, '2021': {'ASPR': 'actual_value', 'UI': 'actual_value'}}

Key Findings

  • Approximately 30% of female infertility cases are attributable to STIs.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the primary pathogens linked to STIs-related infertility.
  • Significant regional disparities exist in the burden of STIs-induced female infertility, particularly in lower-SDI regions.
  • Access to assisted reproductive technologies is limited in low- and middle-income countries, exacerbating infertility challenges.
  • Recent trends indicate a sustained high burden of STIs, necessitating improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize screening and treatment for STIs in reproductive-aged women to mitigate the risk of infertility. Enhanced access to reproductive health services, particularly in low-resource settings, is essential for addressing the preventable causes of female infertility.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the critical role of STIs in female infertility and the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to reduce their impact on reproductive health globally.

References

  1. BMC Infectious Diseases, 2026 -- Distribution and trends of the global burden of female infertility attributable to sexually transmitted infections from 1990 to 2021
  2. WHO, 2024 -- Updated recommendations for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum
  3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Analysis of Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States Surrounding the Introduction of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis from 2001 to 2022
  4. Archives of Toxicology — Proposed Mechanisms Linking Chemical Exposure to Female Reproductive Disorders for Enhanced Testing and Regulatory Practices
  5. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Increased Incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections and Contributing Risk Factors in Fiji After the COVID-19 Pandemic
  6. The Journal of Infectious Diseases — Elevated Rates and Genetic Variation of Ongoing Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections in South African Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Insights from Two Urban Areas
  7. Distribution and trends of the global burden of female infertility attributable to sexually transmitted infections from 1990 to 2021 | BMC Infectious Diseases | Springer Nature Link
  8. Updated recommendations for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum and new recommendations on syphilis testing and partner services
  9. Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease by screening for cervical chlamydial infection - PubMed

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