In Europe, the number of cases of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) will increase in 2022. This is evident from the annual report of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). There has been a “worrying increase” in the number of cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
In 2022, the number of gonorrhea cases increased by 48 percent compared to the previous year. This was an increase of 34 percent for syphilis and 16 percent for chlamydia. In addition, cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a form of chlamydia, and congenital syphilis, caused by mother-to-fetal transmission, have also increased significantly.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are easy to treat. If this does not happen, they can still lead to serious complications. This includes pelvic inflammatory diseases or chronic pain. In addition, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility, while syphilis can cause neurological and cardiovascular problems. An untreated syphilis infection during pregnancy can lead to problems in the child.
Safe sex
The ECDC points out that there is an urgent need for greater awareness of the transmission of STDs and the need to improve prevention, access to testing and treatment.
It sounds like the most effective way to prevent STDs is to have safe sex. “Additionally, promoting open and honest communication about sexual health with partners can help reduce the risk of STD transmission and promote overall well-being.”
“Education and awareness initiatives are vital to enable people to make informed choices about their sexual health,” said ECDC Director Andrea Ammon. “Promoting consistent condom use and encouraging an open dialogue about STDs can help reduce the number of infections.”
