Troubling Surge in Sexually Transmitted Infections Sweeps Across Europe
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have seen a significant increase in European countries, with cases of gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia on the rise. European health authorities have issued a warning about this “troubling surge” and emphasized the need for immediate action to raise awareness and promote sexual health. The latest annual reports from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveal that in 2022, gonorrhoea cases rose by 48%, syphilis cases by 34%, and chlamydia cases by 16% compared to the previous year.
The director of ECDC, Andrea Ammon, expressed concern over these numbers, stating that they paint a stark picture that demands attention and action. However, she also noted that these figures may underestimate the true number of infections, suggesting that the problem could be even more severe than currently reported. Gonorrhoea cases reached their highest annual number in the past decade, surpassing 70,800 cases in 2022. Ammon described this as a “staggering” statistic. Chlamydia cases exceeded 216,000, while syphilis cases reached over 35,000.
Although the majority of cases were reported in men who have sex with men, there has been an increase in infections among women and heterosexual men as well. All three of these STIs are caused by bacteria and can lead to complications if left untreated. Pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, and infertility are potential consequences of gonorrhoea and chlamydia, while syphilis can cause life-threatening problems and impact various organs, including the brain.
Dr Lina Nerlander, the ECDC’s principal expert on STIs, highlighted several key trends contributing to the surge in infections. Notably, there has been a significant increase in gonorrhoea cases among young people. In early 2023, there were 89% more cases of gonorrhoea in women aged 20 to 24 compared to the pre-pandemic period from 2015 to 2019. Similarly, men aged 20 to 24 experienced a 36% increase in gonorrhoea cases during the same period.
European experts also expressed concern about the rise in cases of congenital syphilis, which is transmitted from mothers to their babies during pregnancy. In 2022, there were 69 cases of congenital syphilis in 14 EU/EEA countries, up from 55 cases in the previous year. This increase is particularly alarming considering the growing number of syphilis cases in women.
While increased testing and screening among at-risk populations may partially explain the rise in STI cases, it is not the sole factor. Changes in sexual behavior could also be contributing to the surge. For instance, the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men as a preventive measure against HIV may lead some individuals to forgo condom use, putting them at risk of other STIs.
Another hypothesis suggests that sexual behavior may have changed post-pandemic, with potential shifts in the number of sexual partners or types of sexual activities. The pandemic itself also disrupted testing and treatment services, and restrictions on social gatherings may have contributed to a “rebound” in STI cases.
Although the ECDC experts have not observed evidence of antimicrobial resistance among STIs, they remain vigilant and monitor the situation closely. Highly-resistant gonorrhoea cases have already been reported, leaving few treatment options available. The importance of early detection and prompt treatment cannot be overstated.
To address the rising trend of STIs, experts urge governments to prioritize testing, treatment, and prevention efforts. Promoting protection, practicing safer sex, and fostering open dialogues about STIs are crucial in reducing transmission rates. Individuals should consider getting tested for STIs before discontinuing condom use and have conversations with their sexual partners about testing as well. It is essential to combat the stigma surrounding STIs, as it can deter people from seeking testing and contribute to further spread. Vulnerable populations may require additional support to ensure access to testing and treatment services.
In conclusion, the surge in sexually transmitted infections across Europe is a cause for concern. The significant increase in cases of gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia demands immediate action to raise awareness, promote sexual health, and prioritize testing and treatment efforts. By addressing these issues head-on and fostering open dialogues, we can work towards reducing transmission rates and ensuring the well-being of individuals across Europe.