Sexually transmitted infections are spiking across Europe, with syphilis and gonorrhea cases surging to record highs, according to fresh data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Gonorrhea saw a 31% jump in 2023, hitting nearly 100,000 confirmed cases—a staggering 300% increase since 2014 and the highest rate recorded since the ECDC began tracking STIs in 2009. Even more concerning, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are emerging, making treatments less effective.
Syphilis cases followed suit, climbing 13% from 2022 and doubling since 2014, with 40,000 confirmed cases last year.
Meanwhile, chlamydia remains the most common bacterial STI in Europe, though its rise has slowed. Over 230,000 cases were reported in 2023—only a 3% increase from 2022.
The trend isn’t new. In 2022, gonorrhea and syphilis cases had already spiked by 48% and 34%, respectively. While more testing may explain part of the rise, shifting sexual behaviors—including declining condom use—are also major factors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about fewer teenagers using protection, increasing the risks of both STIs and unintended pregnancies.
In response, the ECDC is calling for urgent action—boosting awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment efforts—to curb the growing crisis.
