EU warns of rise in sexually transmitted infections during holidays

sexually transmitted infections They do not stop growing in all EU countries. According to the latest report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), published in March this year, there has been an “alarming” increase in cases. for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. In 2022, cases of gonorrhea increased by 48%, syphilis by 34%, and chlamydia by 16%. In addition, the number of cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis (caused by transmission of infection from mother to fetus) has increased significantly. Given this scenario, ECDC urged the population to be very careful ahead of summer.

“As summer travel and festival season bring people together from across Europe, it is important to be aware of the spread of STIs, where to get tested regularly and how to get reliable information from health professionals,” they said in a statement. . They emphasize the importance of safer sexual practices, including consistent use of condoms

For vaginal, anal and oral sex, “before having sex without a condom with new partners, it is recommended to get tested for STIs, since many infections can be asymptomatic. If this is not possible, it is important to get tested after sex without a condom, even if there are no visible symptoms,” they add.

In addition to chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, they point out that there are other infections that can be transmitted through close contact and sexual activity. Men who have sex with men are at risk of infection monkey pox, for example, it is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual intercourse, as is the human papillomavirus (HPV). They also recommend that people not share sex toys and “ensure adequate cleaning and disinfection after use and between partners.” Another tip they give: learn about vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, monkeypox and HPV.

What is the situation in Spain?

Faced with this situation, the European Union asked member states to implement prevention policies to “address this public health problem.” In Spain, the Ministry of Health said it was studying the possibility give free condoms to young people and they may be recalled in some locations, such as educational centers or pharmacies. As explained by the Minister of the Region, Monica Garcia, the exact date for the implementation of this project is still unknown.

In Spain, 23,333 cases of gonorrhea were diagnosed. in 2022 (49 per 100,000 inhabitants), and 79.9% of those affected were men. Based on age, the highest rates were observed in the 20 to 24 year old group (198.23), followed by the 25 to 34 year old group (167.60). As with gonorrhea,syphilis has increased markedly among young people

. In 2022, there were 8,141 cases (17.10 per 100,000 inhabitants) and the most affected age group was 25 to 34 years (48.68). On the third place chlamydia worries26,518 cases were reported, which is 62.38 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In this case, women are most affected, and the highest incidence occurs between the ages of 20 and 24 years (226.76).