[Correspondence] The need for improved sexual health among survivors of sex trafficking

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Source: The Lancet

Original: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00217-5/fullt...

Published: 2026-02-27T23:30:02Z

In 2021, an estimated 6.3 million people were trafficked for sexual exploitation. Survivors of sex trafficking suffer serious sexual and reproductive health consequences, including sexual dysfunction, trauma-related conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among trafficked women is 22 to 111 times higher than in the general population. Women who have been victims of sex trafficking are more likely to be pregnant. Limited access to health care increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, birth complications, and long-term physical and emotional damage. The article emphasizes the need to improve the sexual health of these survivors.