Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Encounters in a United States Uniformed Service Female Beneficiary Population.

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on encounter rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) among female beneficiaries aged 18 to 44 within the U.S. Military Health System (MHS). Using electronic health records from January 2018 to April 2022, the study found that encounter rates for all three conditions declined during the pandemic, with PID showing the most immediate and pronounced decrease followed by a brief rebound. Higher encounter rates were consistently observed in younger women (especially ages 18–19), active duty service members, and those of junior enlisted rank, with regional variations across TRICARE areas. The authors suggest that reduced healthcare access, decreased STI screening, and changes in sexual behavior during the pandemic likely contributed to these trends, emphasizing the importance of maintaining STI screening as normal activities resume to protect military readiness.