STI Cases Reach Record Levels in Europe Amid Rising Gonorrhoea and Syphilis Infections

Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached record levels in Europe, with cases rising sharply over the past decade. Gonorrhoea has increased by over 300% since 2015, while syphilis has also more than doubled. Health experts blame the rise on poor testing and prevention and warn that these infections can cause serious complications like infertility and heart problems if untreated. They advise safe sex practices, including condom use and regular testing, to help reduce the spread.

Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached record levels in Europe, according to new data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The report shows that both infections have risen sharply over the past decade, with gonorrhoea reaching over 106,000 cases in 2024, which is more than a 300% increase since 2015. Syphilis cases have also more than doubled within the same period, rising to about 45,557 cases. Health officials say the increase is partly due to gaps in testing and prevention services, and they are calling for urgent action to control the spread.
Experts warn that these infections are not minor illnesses, as they can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Gonorrhoea and syphilis can cause long-term health issues such as chronic pain, infertility, and in severe cases, damage to the heart and nervous system. There is also concern about congenital syphilis, where the infection is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, which has nearly doubled in recent years and can result in lifelong health problems for newborns. The ECDC advises people to protect themselves by using condoms during sexual activity, especially with new or multiple partners, and to go for regular testing if they notice any symptoms or are at risk.
The report also shows that Spain recorded the highest number of cases among participating countries, with tens of thousands of infections reported. Men who have sex with men remain the group most affected, although there has also been a notable rise among heterosexual women of reproductive age. While chlamydia remains the most commonly reported bacterial STI, its cases have slightly declined compared to 2015. In the United Kingdom, which is no longer part of the ECDC data after Brexit, national figures still show high infection rates, with tens of thousands of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported in 2024. Health authorities continue to stress that both gonorrhoea and syphilis can be prevented through safe sex practices and treated effectively with antibiotics if detected early.