Europe is facing a sharp rise in bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia reaching worrying levels. Recent data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has highlighted the scale of the problem, raising concerns among public health officials.
STI infections have reached record levels in several European countries over the past decade. Health experts warn that untreated infections can cause serious long-term complications, including chronic pain, infertility and damage to the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Several social and health-related factors appear to be contributing to the increase. One major factor is changing sexual behaviour. As modern HIV treatments have significantly improved outcomes for people living with HIV, and preventive medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have become more widely available, some people may perceive HIV as less of an immediate threat. This can contribute to reduced condom use and, in turn, increase exposure to other STIs.
The growing popularity of dating apps has also changed how people meet and form sexual relationships. Health researchers say these changes in social and sexual networks can make infections spread more quickly, particularly when testing and treatment do not keep pace.
Weaknesses in healthcare systems are adding to the problem. In some European countries, funding for STI prevention and testing has been reduced, while the cost of diagnostic services remains a barrier for many people. The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also affected access to healthcare and STI screening in a number of countries.
Although STI rates have historically been higher among men who have sex with men, infections are increasingly being reported among heterosexual men and women as well. Health officials are particularly concerned about rising syphilis infections among women of reproductive age.
The increase in syphilis among pregnant women has also contributed to a rise in congenital syphilis, in which the infection is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Experts say inadequate screening and delayed diagnosis can leave newborns exposed to serious health complications.
Public health organisations are calling for urgent action. Measures include making STI testing easier to access, expanding free or affordable screening programmes, strengthening testing during pregnancy and ensuring infected people receive treatment as quickly as possible.
Experts stress that controlling the spread of STIs will require more than simply treating individual patients. Greater public awareness, accessible testing, early diagnosis and sustained investment in prevention programmes will be essential if European countries are to reverse the current trend.
