Europe Faces 'Troubling' Surge in STIs, Reports ECDC

Gonorrhea cases nearly double as sexually transmitted infections skyrocket across the continent, signaling an urgent public health concern.

A significant surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe has been reported, with gonorrhea cases increasing by 48%, syphilis by 34%, and chlamydia by 16% in 2022.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) describes the rise as 'troubling' and likely 'the tip of the iceberg,' indicating that actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting.
Increased riskier sexual behavior post-pandemic, better surveillance, and home testing are cited as reasons behind the rising STI rates.
The ECDC emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies, comprehensive health education, and access to testing and treatment to address the surge.
Untreated STIs can lead to severe health complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and neurological and cardiovascular issues.