Never before have there been so many STIs in Europe: sharp rise in gonorrhea and syphilis infections

Never before have there been so many STIs in Europe: sharp rise in gonorrhea and syphilis infectionsThe number of people with an STI in Europe has risen to a record high. Figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that the number of gonorrhea and syphilis infections, in particular, has increased sharply.The figures published by the European health service are alarming. In 2024, gonorrhea was reported 106,331 times: an increase of no less than 303 percent compared to 2015. The number of syphilis cases more than doubled in the same period to 45,577.Chlamydia remains the most reported STI with 213,443 cases. Transmission of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a rare, distinct form of chlamydia, also continued to increase, with 3,490 reported cases. In the Netherlands, the number of people with an STI has also been rising for years, Hanna Bos of Soa Aids Nederland explains when asked. “We are genuinely concerned about these figures,” says the infectious disease control physician. “Without treatment, these infections can cause serious complications, such as chronic pain and infertility and, in the case of syphilis, problems with the heart or nervous system.”According to Bos, the rise in the number of STIs has multiple causes. “Condom use in the Netherlands has decreased. This is partly due to misinformation being spread on social media.”Soa Aids Nederland is therefore advocating for funding to reach young people and vulnerable groups with condom campaigns. “Our impression is that knowledge among young people regarding condom use is insufficient.”Bos understands that it is difficult for some people to go to the GP with STI-related complaints. “But that is very important,” she emphasizes. “Doctors have professional confidentiality, and you can trust that they adhere to it.”Bos also warns against STI tests that you can buy online. “Because not all home tests are reliable. Some people perform the test incorrectly and then mistakenly think they do not have an STI. That is why it is important that people get tested by the appropriate authorities to reduce the number of STIs.”The ECDC also believes that more testing is needed and that more funds must be allocated for STI testing. ‘Without decisive action, current trends are likely to continue, with increasing negative consequences for health and growing inequality in access to care.’