Sexually transmitted infections hit record levels in Europe

Health authorities across Europe have raised fresh concerns after new data revealed a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections across the continent, with gonorrhoea and syphilis reaching their highest recorded levels in years.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC, said the rise in infections reflects a growing public health challenge affecting several European Union and European Economic Area countries.

According to the agency, gonorrhoea cases have risen dramatically over the past decade, while syphilis infections have continued to climb steadily. Officials noted that the trend has become particularly worrying among young adults and vulnerable populations.

Public health experts linked the increase to declining condom use, multiple sexual partners, delayed diagnosis, and reduced awareness campaigns in some countries. Expanded screening and improved reporting systems were also said to have contributed to the higher figures.

The ECDC warned that untreated sexually transmitted infections could lead to serious complications including infertility, chronic pelvic pain, pregnancy complications, and damage to internal organs.

Health authorities also expressed concern over the rise in congenital syphilis, a condition in which infected mothers transmit the disease to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth.

Officials urged governments to strengthen sexual health education, improve access to testing and treatment services, and encourage safer sexual practices to curb the spread of infections.

Medical experts stressed that early testing and prompt treatment remain key to reducing transmission and preventing long-term health complications.

The development comes amid wider concerns among global health agencies over increasing STI rates in several regions of the world, despite advances in treatment and prevention measures.