A report has painted a worrying picture of the infection rates of certain STIs on the European continent.
After Latest data from the ECDCPublished on February 10, 2025, the rates of bacterial infections such as gonorrhea And syphilis have increased again in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).
If you had unprotected sex and would like to be checked for StIS, you will receive the better STI screen Better2, on which the seven most common infections are tested.
What happens?
Almost 100,000 new gonorrhea cases were reported, which mark a record high of around 74,000 in 2022. This number is more than four times as many annual cases a decade ago.
Gonorrhoe cases were widespread in women between the ages of 20 and 24 and men between the ages of 25 and 34. Men who have sex with men (MSM) made up more than half of all infections.
The syphilis rates also rose by 13% compared to 2022 with over 40,000 reported cases. About half of it was under MSM.
Chlamydia The most commonly reported STIs in Europe, with a particularly high prevalence in women and men between the ages of 20 and 24, in 577 cases per 100,000 people.
The lack of condom us is largely responsible for the increase in the numbers
These figures affected health experts, but there can be a simple explanation.
Condom use, especially in young people, Has sunk.
While Younger people have less sex overallPresent Research Showed that sexually active high school in the USA and Canada condoms use 7% less often.
The The decline was reflected in Europereported with high rates of the unprotected sex among young people. This acceptance of the condom use is omnipresent and comprises several countries and regions.
Great Britain has seen A strong increase in the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases among people aged 15 to 24 years.
Such a widespread reduction in condom use probably leads to the increase in bacteria in Europe. In a report by the World Health Organization in 2024, one of five boys and one of seven girls aged 15 years of age to be sexually active, whereby 30% did not use contraception.
Why do young people use condoms less often?
The decline in condom use is due to various complex factors.
The perceived risk of getting a STI, especially infections such as HIVhas dropped. Most STIS are considered slightly treated with medication so that fewer precautionary measures can be taken during sex.
The use of condoms also changes to socio -economic lines. According to the WHOYoung people from families with low incomes in Europe did not report any condoms or contraceptive pills in their last sexual encounter with greater probability, whereby the rates of 33% for teenagers with low incomes compared to 25% for their wealthy colleagues compared to 25%.
MSM explains most bacteria -sti cases, but is also most likely tested and looking for treatment. Heterosexual people may not be so conscious of the risks of STIS, which increases the risk of infection.
Sexual health education on the continent was also regarded as a stumbling block. The countries have to increase the effort to offer young people valuable information, secure environments for the discussion of sexuality and approval as well as essential life skills in order to make sound decisions about sex that can affect their future.
Possible genetic changes that drive the gonorrhea rates
Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are bacterial infections, which are mainly transmitted by unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. While the gonorrhea and syphilis rates are increasing, the Chlamydia rates decrease. Scientists cannot explain these contrasting trends in view of their similar transmission methods.
The rising gonorrhea rates can also be connected Tribes of these infections that have developed antibiotic resistance. The ECDC indicates that “(the) occurrence of medication-resistant tribes threatens the effectiveness of current treatments and makes it decisive to highlight prevention and promote responsibility-conscious use of antibiotics. Combine. ”
The ECDC report also set other causes, including the increase in the Sti tests for some population groups, changes in sexual risk and a greater variety of sexual partners.
Safer sex must be the norm
The ECDC report was clear that the need for a previous and consistent condom application is required:
“ECDC emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to combat the rising Sti -rates. The use of condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex is of crucial importance for prevention. Open and honest communication about sexual health with partners can also help to reduce the risk of a Sti transfer. “”
Sexually active people should continue to use condoms to prevent the spread of STIS in Europe and to limit risky sexual behaviors if possible.
Stigma for these infections is one of the main reasons why people do not go to a doctor or seek help. Some experts have also pointed out social behaviors how Chemal And The use of dating apps This creates environments that enable casual encounters and increase the risk of transmission.
What does safe sex look like?
Safer sex can only occur between two non -infected people in committed monogamous relationships. In all other cases, partners should use a condom.
If you have sex with a new partner without a condom, you should be tested on Stis beforehand.
If you don’t manage to test yourself beforehand, you will be tested for unprotected sex, especially when you start experiencing Common symptoms of STISLike pain during urination, unusual discharge, rashes around the genitals or mouth or flu -like symptoms such as fever and body pain.
Last thoughts
If you are worried about a recent sexual encounter, you should be tested with Better2 Know.
Click the button below to reconcile a sexual health test near you. You can also call the number listed on this page to speak to a member of our patient service team. You can talk to you about your situation and help you develop an action plan that protects your sexual health.
Do not leave your sexual health to chance. Let yourself be known with better2 today.