Europe experienced a worrying increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2022.
The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (ECDC) annual report highlighted a significant rise in cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Gonorrhoea cases rose by 48% in 2022 (70,881 cases) compared to the previous year. Syphilis saw a 34% increase (35,391 cases), while chlamydia rose by 16% (216,508 cases).
There were also significant increases in cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) – a form of chlamydia, and congenital syphilis, resulting from transmission from mother to foetus.
While STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are typically treatable, if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. These complications may include pelvic inflammatory disease or chronic pain.
In addition, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can result in infertility, and syphilis can cause neurological and cardiovascular issues. If syphilis is left untreated during pregnancy, there can be adverse effects for the child.
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"This increase is as stunning as it is concerning," declared ECDC Director Andrea Ammon during a press conference. She added that these numbers likely represent just the "tip of the iceberg", as data may be underestimated due to discrepancies in testing practices and access to sexual health services across the 27 countries surveyed by the agency.
Results demonstrate an "urgent need for awareness about STI transmission and a necessity for improving prevention, access to testing and effective treatments," the ECDC stressed in a statement. This is pivotal to addressing the public health challenge.
