Impact of infectious diseases on women's health: 1776-2026.

In this commentary, the author reviews the impact of infectious diseases on women's health, beginning with the late 18th century when clinically recognized infections took the heaviest toll on women. The review continues through the 19th and 20th centuries when public health measures and the advent of antibiotic agents led to apparent control of infection, and ends with a forecast for the next 25 years. Foreboding considerations for the future include spread of human immune deficiency virus infection and other sexually transmitted diseases and the development of new infections, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the recognition of infection as a cause of many obstetric-gynecologic and chronic disorders. Obstetricians and gynecologists can contribute to the solution of these problems individually and collectively.