Sexually Transmitted Infections Reach Record Levels in Europe

Sexually transmitted infections have reached record levels in Europe, the BBC reported, citing the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The sharpest rise has been in gonorrhea, with cases increasing by more than 300% since 2015 to more than 106,000. Syphilis cases have more than doubled over the same period, with more than 45,000 cases recorded last year.

The ECDC said riskier sexual behavior, gaps in prevention and barriers to testing had contributed to the spread of the diseases. Health officials warned of serious consequences, including infertility, chronic pain and damage to the nervous system. The sharp rise in congenital syphilis, which is passed from mother to child during pregnancy, has also caused concern.

Spain has reported the highest number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases. Men who have sex with men remain the most at-risk group, but infections have also increased among heterosexual women of reproductive age.

The UK introduced a gonorrhea vaccine in 2025 after recording record case numbers.

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