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

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• 8%-12% of reproductive-aged individuals affected by infertility globally.
• STIs implicated in nearly 30% of female infertility cases.
• Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are primary pathogens associated with infertility.
• Significant barriers to accessing assisted reproductive technologies in low- and middle-income countries.
• Higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among infertile women compared to those with normal fertility.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess for STIs in women presenting with infertility.
• Utilize age-standardized prevalence rates for epidemiological evaluation.

Management

• Implement targeted interventions for STIs to reduce infertility rates.
• Enhance access to reproductive health services in low- and middle-income countries.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Track trends in STIs-related infertility using Global Burden of Disease data.
• Evaluate the impact of interventions on infertility rates over time.

Risks

• Increased risk of infertility due to untreated STIs.
• Potential long-term health impacts from PID and TFI.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Women aged 15-49 years with STIs-related infertility.

Focus on prevention and treatment of STIs to mitigate infertility risks.

Clinical Best Practices

• Regular screening for STIs in reproductive-aged women.
• Education on safe sexual practices to prevent STIs.
• Collaboration with policymakers to improve access to reproductive health services.

References

• Global Burden of Disease Database