STIS IN MALAGA | The number of STIs is rapidly increasing in Andalusia: the number of gonorrhea cases has quadrupled since 2021

sexually transmitted infections (ITS) do not stop growing in Andalusia. This is confirmed by the latest report, “Epidemiological Surveillance of STIs in Spain, 2023”, published by the Carlos III Institute of Health last Monday, which reflects uptrend of these pathologies, especially in the last two years.

STI with the highest incidence in Andalusia gonococcal infection (gonorrhea), the number of cases of which has quadrupled in just two years since 1240 cases in 2021 in 5034 in 2023. Thus, the infection rate is at the level 58.64 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 14.61 two years ago. In 2016, the incidence was only 8.64 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

These figures place Andalusia among communities with the highest rates gonococcal infection, second only to Catalonia (165.3), Madrid (94.08) and the Basque Country (78.37). On the other hand, the lowest rates were recorded in Aragon (9.24), Castile and Leon (12.59) and Extremadura (16.12).

This infection, unlike other asymptomatic STIs, usually causes symptoms, mainly urethritisas explained Christina GomezDoctor of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital in Malaga. “We also detect gonorrhea in the throat of women, although it is less common, it can cause infertility“,” notes the doctor.

Chlamydia and syphilis

On the other hand, the next most common STI in the Andalusian community is chlamydiawhich, compared to others, is more common in people under 25 years of age. According to the latest report, in 2023 there were 4717 cases in Andalusia, that is 3359 more than in 2021. A fact that attracts even more attention when we consider that only in 2016 759 cases.

The number of syphilis cases has also increased significantly in Andalusia in recent years. Total in 2023 1978 casescompared to 866 cases in 2021 or 846 cases in 2016. This means that the incidence rate has doubled in just seven years, compared to 10.08 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016 in 23.04 in 2023.

The report emphasizes that the increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, which has been recorded since the early 2000s, represents “a major public health problem”both because of its magnitude and because of the complications and consequences if early diagnosis and treatment are not carried out.

Similarly, the document states that the populations most affected by sexually transmitted infections are young peoplealthough they note that age varies depending on the disease. In this sense, experts also clarify that reduction in cases registered in 2020 can be more or less explained by the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic due to quarantine, as well as the overload of health and public health services.

Reasons for the increase

Regarding the reasons that have led to this increase in the number of STIs, both at the Andalusian and national level, Dr. Gómez points out that this is due to several factors, starting with the fact that surveillance systems and notifications as well as diagnostic methods have been improved. “Many people are being tested what wasn’t screened before, people in PrEP programs are screened every three months, which wasn’t done before, so more tests are being done and better quality tests are being done,” says HIV and sexually transmitted infection specialist .

Another factor driving this growth is the emergence of such phenomena as chemsex (a practice that combines the use of recreational drugs to prolong the duration and sensation of sexual intercourse) and dating apps which facilitate sexual contact. “Sexual practices and the way we communicate have changed,” says the doctor, who also notes that condom use appears to have declined, especially among the highest-risk groups. “When they practice under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they don’t even have a condom in their head,” he adds.

break the chain

Dr. Gomez also states that fear of AIDS disappearednow that it is no longer a deadly threat and there are treatments available that allow you to lead an almost normal life. In this sense, the doctor insists on the need to give STIs the importance they deserve, since if left untreated they can have health consequences at different levels: from human papillomavirus (HPV) to viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, cancer or fertility problems in women.

“It’s true that many STIs are asymptomatic so people don’t die from them, but it’s clear that we must cut the drive chain “So as not to continue to infect other people,” the specialist emphasizes, remembering that the presence of syphilis or gonorrhea also contributes to the transmission of HIV.

This increase in sexually transmitted infections has also been detected in Malaga, according to Dr. Gomez, who highlights that today almost 900 people are receiving the PrEP program at the Clinical Hospital. “We detect more than 1000 STIs per year“warns the specialist, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating these diseases, as well as teach at all levels, including children, to improve this situation.

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