Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) exert a global impact on public health and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women, particularly as a result of infertility, pregnancy complications and anogenital neoplasia. HIV has reached epidemic proportions in diverse populations across the globe, and the burden on healthcare resources to deliver effective antiretroviral therapy is ever increasing. The epidemiology of bacterial and viral STIs is reported, with reference to all areas of the world but particularly the UK. Risk factors, trends over time, transmission patterns and the influence of testing and access to treatment are all discussed in this review, particularly with relevance to women’s health.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.