In 2022, the incidence of sexually transmitted infections has increased sharply in Europe. almost half of the cases of gonorrhea, The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control announced this on Thursday, publishing its latest data.

Cases syphilis increased by 34% compared to the previous year, to more than 35,000, and chlamydia 16%to more than 216,000. The number of gonorrhea cases jumped 48% to more than 70,000.

ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said at a press conference:

The numbers paint a grim picture that requires our immediate attention and action.

Untreated STIs can cause a variety of health problems, including chronic pain, infertility, and in the case of syphilis, neurological and cardiovascular complications.

Cases lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis, According to the ECDC, when the infection is transmitted from mother to fetus, they also increase sharply, although from lower levels.

In many countries, including Europe, rates of STIs have been increasing for many years. although the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed their pace, As governments in most countries introduced social distancing measures, people stayed at home and notification levels dropped.

According to the ECDC, the steady increase is due to a number of reasons, including improved surveillance and increased home testing, as well as an increase in risky sexual behavior.

According to the EU agency, the increase in incidence among young heterosexuals according to recent data, and in particular among young women, could be associated with changes in sexual behavior after the pandemic.

He also noted that there is still no evidence that antimicrobial resistance is causing the rise in gonorrhea cases, but said he will continue to monitor the issue. Ammon noted that the figures They were probably the tip of the iceberg.because many infections go undetected.

He said European countries should focus their efforts on testing, treatment and prevention, and people should take steps to protect themselves, especially with condoms.

Reuters