STI Cases Continue to Rise in Europe
Sexually transmitted infections are increasing rapidly across Europe, with gonorrhoea and syphilis reaching their highest levels in more than a decade. New data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control revealed a sharp rise in reported cases during 2024.
Health experts say the growing number of infections is linked to gaps in testing, prevention, and awareness. Officials are now urging people to take sexual health more seriously and get tested regularly.
Gonorrhoea Cases Surge by More Than 300%
According to the latest figures, Europe recorded 106,331 gonorrhoea cases in 2024. This marks a massive 303% increase compared to 2015.
Syphilis infections also rose sharply, reaching 45,557 confirmed cases during the same year. The number has more than doubled over the last decade.
Medical experts warn that untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious health problems. Gonorrhoea may cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain, while syphilis can damage the heart, brain, and nervous system if left untreated.
Congenital Syphilis Cases Raise Concern
Health officials also highlighted a worrying rise in congenital syphilis. This condition occurs when an infected mother passes the disease to her baby during pregnancy.
Cases of congenital syphilis nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024. Doctors say the infection can cause lifelong complications for newborns, including organ damage and developmental issues.
Bruno Ciancio, head of the Directly Transmitted and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Unit at the ECDC, stressed the importance of prevention and early testing. He advised people to use condoms with new or multiple partners and seek medical testing if symptoms appear.
Spain Reports the Highest Number of Cases
Among participating European countries, Spain recorded the highest number of confirmed gonorrhoea and syphilis infections in 2024.
The country reported 37,169 gonorrhoea cases and 11,556 syphilis cases during the year.
The report also showed that men who have sex with men remain the most affected group, with the fastest long term increase in infections. At the same time, syphilis cases among heterosexual women of reproductive age also increased significantly.
Chlamydia Remains the Most Common STI
Although chlamydia remained the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe, cases slightly declined.
Authorities recorded 213,443 chlamydia cases in 2024, representing a 6% decrease since 2015.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom continues to monitor its own sexual health data separately after Brexit.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, England reported 71,802 gonorrhoea cases and 9,535 syphilis cases in 2024. The country also confirmed 168,889 chlamydia diagnoses during the same period.
The UK introduced a gonorrhoea vaccination programme in 2025 after infection rates reached record levels in previous years.
Why STI Prevention Matters
Health experts say regular testing, safe sexual practices, and better public awareness remain the most effective ways to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Doctors recommend using protection during sexual activity, avoiding unprotected sex with multiple partners, and seeking medical advice immediately if symptoms develop.
