(210) Medical, Obstetrical, Gynecological, and Sexual Consequences of Massive Immigration

Introduction The recent wave of immigration has exposed the healthcare system to an unprecedented challenge. More than 15 million people arrived in the last five years, with a great proportion settling in the local area. Over 90% of these individuals originate from healthcare systems that are deficient or non-existent, and over 75% come from low socio-economic and educational backgrounds. These realities present serious challenges to women’s healthcare and sexual health outcomes. Objective To analyze the medical, obstetrical, gynecological, and sexual health consequences associated with the recent wave of immigration. The study evaluates trends based on patient data from medical centers and hospitals and explores the impact of long-term lack of medical care on women’s sexual and reproductive health. Methods This study involved a retrospective analysis of clinical cases over the last five years at two hospitals and two outpatient centers in the local area. Data focused on immigrant women presenting with newly diagnosed or advanced-stage diseases, sexual health disorders, and conditions linked to lack of access to care in their countries of origin. Results There has been a marked rise in advanced breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, undiagnosed due to over a decade of missed preventive care. Sexually transmitted infections-including HIV-have increased, in contrast to declining trends in the general native population. Unintended pregnancies, abortions, sexual abuse (with or without trafficking), and ectopic pregnancies have also surged. Diseases previously rare, such as tuberculosis, scabies, and polyparasitism, are now commonly diagnosed. Conclusions Women arriving from underserved regions often lack access to even basic screenings, sometimes going 10 to 15 years without medical evaluation. This study underscores how prolonged lack of care directly impacts women’s medical and sexual health and indirectly affects the communities receiving them. The reported trends reflect a broader pattern referred to as the “Immigration Syndrome,” encompassing psychosocial and sexual health disruption. Disclosure No