Spain’s STI epidemic requires ‘immediate and coordinated action’
According to the annual epidemiological surveillance report of the National Epidemiological Center of the Carlos III Institute of Public Health, published in October 2024, Spain has experienced an unprecedented increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over the past 20 years. This increase reflects a serious health problem. this requires urgent attention and coordinated action.
Based on the data, In 2023, the incidence of gonorrhea reached 71.54 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. an increase of 26 times compared to 2003. Over the past three years, the number of reported cases has tripled. Regarding chlamydia, since its registration in 2016, incidence increased by 450%which is 78.90 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Women make up almost half of the diagnoses. Finally, although growth syphilis was more moderate The incidence has increased 7 times over 20 years. with an incidence of 22.62 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The most affected group includes young people from 20 to 34 years oldwhich highlights the importance of sexuality education and prevention among the most sexually active population.
Although rising rates of STIs are a global trend – every day one million people become infected with this type of infection somewhere in the world – a recent global study found that Spain has a gap in prevention measures compared to other regions of the world. Additionally, according to the latest data from the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, only 5% of women surveyed in Spain had been tested for an STI in the previous 12 months, significantly lower than the average of 8% of European Union countries. Union (EU) and the world average is 10%.
Random encounters on dating apps
Those who analyzed this phenomenon came to the conclusion that The increase in the incidence of STIs is due to a combination of sociocultural factors: widespread use dating apps, that promote chance encounters; That relaxation when using condoms, especially among PrEP users; reducing the perception of HIV risk and asymptomatic transmission, especially in cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis through oral sex.
From the Open Door Medical Center, which has been a center for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs in Spain since 2007, they offer integrated approach fight it
growing epidemic. This includes, first of all, strengthening surveillance and diagnostics, who propose that this be done by improving notification systems and uniformity of criteria between autonomous communities, introducing an obligation to carry out tests before prescribing treatment in hospitals and by strengthening control over the announcement of cases to obtain more accurate data.
In second place influence education and public consciousness through mass information campaigns about STIs, their risks and prevention measures, conversations and seminars for adolescents and other risk groups and promoting the use of condoms, including during oral sex.
Finally they ask that health authorities guarantee easy, fast and free access to diagnostic tests for people who have multiple sexual partners or have unprotected sex.