STI Surge in Europe: A Puzzling trend Amidst rising Gonorrhea and Syphilis Cases
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are surging across Europe, particularly among young adults, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). A mid-February report revealed alarming increases in bacterial infections like gonorrhea and syphilis, based on 2023 data. This surge follows a concerning upward trend in STI rates across the continent.
The report highlights a record-breaking nearly 100,000 new gonorrhea cases in 2023, a meaningful jump from the approximately 74,000 cases reported in 2022. This represents a more than fourfold increase compared to a decade ago. The age groups most affected were women aged 20 to 24 and men aged 25 to 34, with men who have sex with men accounting for over half of all cases. Syphilis rates also climbed, exceeding 2022 levels by 13% with over 40,000 reported cases, approximately half occurring among men who have sex with men.
While chlamydia remains the most commonly reported STI in Europe, with a particularly high prevalence among 20- to 24-year-olds (577 cases per 100,000), a surprising trend has emerged: a decrease in chlamydia cases. This decline, occurring concurrently with the rise in gonorrhea and syphilis, has baffled scientists.
people are having sex,said Maria Wessman,head of the blood-transmitted infections section at the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark.
While Wessman’s statement is undeniably true, the key question, she explains, lies in how
people are having sex. Experts suspect a decrease in condom use among young people may be a significant contributing factor to the increase in bacterial STIs. A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that one-fifth of 15-year-old boys and one-seventh of 15-year-old girls reported being sexually active, with 30% admitting to not using any contraceptive methods.
Somthing has changed in the use of condoms; either people have more partners, perhaps different types of partners or more partners at the same time,deduced Lina Nerlander, chief specialist in STIs at the ECDC.
Improved testing and monitoring could also play a role, with more effective disease detection and notification leading to the identification of more cases. Men who have sex with men, who account for the majority of bacterial STI cases, are also more likely to undergo regular testing and seek treatment. Wessman notes that when they are treated with preventive drugs against HIV, they are required to take an STI exam every three months.
However, she also observes that I think young heterosexual men and women are more concerned with taking the test.There is more awareness about STIs than a few years ago.
The contrasting trends in gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia—all transmitted similarly—remain a mystery.Scientists are employing complete genome sequencing across Europe to identify genetic changes in bacterial species that might be driving these trends.
We need to analyze more to explain why this decline is happening suddenly,said Wessman.
We have a large sample of gonorrhea strains from the entire EU, and we are doing genetic sequencing to see which ones spread in which populations. but there are no clear answers to this day,explained Nerlander.
A deeper understanding of sexual behaviors is crucial, but this data is currently lacking in the EU. Experts strongly advise continued condom use to prevent STI transmission. they also emphasize the need for more open conversations about sex and efforts to destigmatize STIs.
The stigmatization of these diseases is one of the main reasons why people don’t go to the doctor, they don’t seek help. So it is clear that we need to change sexual behavior,said Mojca Matičič, who leads an STI outpatient service at the Ljubljana University Medical Centre in Slovenia.
Matičič highlights the role of “chemsex” and dating apps in creating environments conducive to risky sexual encounters, increasing STI transmission. She defines safe sex as occurring only between two permanent, uninfected, and monogamous partners without condom use; otherwise, condoms are essential. Experts recommend STI testing after unprotected sex with a new partner, and ideally before, if possible. But if you can’t do it before unprotected sex, do it later,
Nerlander adds, and especially if any symptoms arise, such as pain when urinating, discharge, and rash around the genitals and/or mouth.
Headline: The Mysterious STI Surge in Europe: Unraveling the Rise of Gonorrhea and Syphilis Amidst Declining Chlamydia Cases
Opening: A perplexing trend has emerged across Europe—a important rise in bacterial stis like gonorrhea and syphilis, even as chlamydia cases fall. What could be driving this puzzling dichotomy in sexually transmitted infections? Our Senior Editor dives into the nuances with a leading expert in the field to understand and address these trends with authority and insight.
Interviewer: The recent rise in gonorrhea and syphilis cases across Europe is alarming, especially given the simultaneous decline in chlamydia cases. What,in your expert opinion,is behind this unexpected trend?
Expert: This is indeed a perplexing trend that requires comprehensive analysis. The divergence in STI rates could be attributed to several factors. First, behavioral shifts in sexual health practices, particularly a probable decrease in condom usage among young adults, seem to be a key contributor. This has potentially led to more exposure to high-risk sexual behaviors.Moreover, the increased engagement in “chemsex” and the use of dating apps might potentially be facilitating environments where riskier sexual encounters occur, contributing further to the surge in bacterial STIs.
Additionally, the enhanced effectiveness in testing and monitoring across europe could lead to more documented cases, highlighting an increase where there might have been an undetected prevalence previously.While the increased testing is a positive step, it also emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to these behavioral and healthcare dynamics.
Interviewer: With bacterial STIs like gonorrhea and syphilis on such a rise, can you shed light on the demographic most affected and the possible reasons behind this trend?
Expert: Current data reveals that the most affected demographics are young adults, particularly women aged 20 to 24 and men aged 25 to 34. Notably,men who have sex with men (MSM) account for over half of the gonorrhea cases and about half of the syphilis cases. This demographic may be more susceptible due to certain risk factors,including social and sexual networks,which often encourage regular interaction.
The reasons behind this trend might involve shifts in sexual behavior patterns, such as having more partners or varying types of partnerships, which was recently noted in a WHO report. Many young individuals report lower use of condoms, and thus, have increased vulnerability to transmission. Moreover, MSM are more likely to undergo regular testing due to preventive healthcare measures associated with HIV treatments, leading to earlier detection and reporting of these bacterial infections.
Interviewer: What role do genetic factors play in the context of these evolving STI trends, and how are scientists addressing them?
Expert: The role of genetics in STI trends is a critical area of study. Scientists are employing complete genome sequencing to understand genetic changes in bacterial species that might be influencing these trends.By analyzing gonorrhea strains across the EU, experts are trying to determine how specific strains spread within diffrent populations.
Despite extensive research, definitive answers remain elusive. Genomic analyses could uncover changes in bacterial resistance to antibiotics or transmission dynamics, providing invaluable insights that can inform preventive strategies and treatments. This scientific vigilance is crucial in adapting to these evolving challenges and ensuring public health responses remain effective.
Interviewer: Given these alarming trends, what preventive measures and public health strategies do you recommend to curb the rising incidence of gonorrhea and syphilis?
Expert: To effectively curb the rising incidence of these STIs, a multifaceted approach is essential. Key recommendations include:
- Promote Condom use: Consistent and correct condom use remains one of the most effective measures to prevent STI transmission. Public health campaigns should emphasize this,especially targeting young adults.
- Encourage Regular Testing: Encourage STI testing among sexually active individuals, particularly after unprotected encounters. This proactive approach can definitely help in early detection and treatment, reducing transmission rates.
- Increase Public Awareness: Destigmatize STIs through open discussions and educational programs. This can remove barriers that prevent individuals from seeking treatment or testing.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize dating apps and social platforms to disseminate facts about safe sexual practices and easily accessible testing resources.
- Foster safe Sexual Environments: Address contributing behaviors like “chemsex” by providing resources and support for individuals engaging in these activities.
By promoting these preventive strategies, we can work towards reversing the upward trend in bacterial STIs and protect public health.
Interviewer: what key messages would you like the public to take away from this conversation, especially in terms of personal action and community obligation?
Expert: the key messages are clear:
- Prioritize safe sex practices: Condom use should be non-negotiable to effectively reduce STI transmission risks.
- Get regular check-ups: Early detection through regular testing can prevent the further spread of infections and improve health outcomes.
- Educate and advocate: Engage in open conversations about sexual health to break the stigma and encourage informed decision-making.
- Community Support: Advocacy for better sexual health policies and community support systems is necessary to create environments where safe practices are the norm.
Together, through individual diligence and collective action, we can address the challenges posed by these troubling STI trends and work towards a healthier future.
We invite our readers to engage in this critical discussion—share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, or spread this insightful discussion on social media.Your voice and awareness can drive change in our communities.
