NEW data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealed a continued surge in sexually transmitted infections (STI) across the EU/EEA in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment strategies.
The ECDC’s Annual Epidemiological Reports analysed surveillance data from 29 EU/EEA countries, tracking trends in gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia. The report highlights that while increased testing may explain some of the rise, other factors, including changes in sexual risk behaviours such as reduced condom use and higher numbers of sexual partners, require further investigation.
The study also raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhoea, urging immediate action to combat drug-resistant strains. The ECDC actively monitors antimicrobial resistance trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and collaborates with countries to strengthen surveillance and implement mitigation strategies.
Gonorrhoea cases reached nearly 100,000 in 2023, marking a 31% rise from 2022 and a staggering 300% increase since 2014. The highest rates among women were in those aged 20–24 years, with a 46% rise in this group. In men, the highest rates were in those aged 25–34 years. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in both men and women.
Syphilis cases also rose sharply, with 41,051 confirmed cases in 2023, up 13% from 2022 and double the number reported in 2014. Men were disproportionately affected, with seven cases per woman, and 72% of cases occurred in men who have sex with men. Notably, syphilis rates increased among women across all age groups, raising concerns about congenital syphilis and associated complications. Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported bacterial STI, with over 230,000 cases in 2023, a 13% increase since 2014, predominantly affecting young women aged 20–24 years.
Given these alarming trends, the ECDC stresses the importance of proactive prevention measures, including condom use and routine STI testing, especially for those with new or multiple sexual partners. Clinicians are urged to promote early detection and treatment to mitigate further transmission and long-term health complications.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). STI cases continue to rise across Europe. 2025. Available at: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/sti-cases-continue-rise-across-europe. Last accessed: 12 February 2025.
