Nearly 100,000 cases of gonorrhoea were reported in Europe in 2023, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) – a 300% increase since 2014.
The ECDC has reported a 31% increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses in 2023 compared to 2022. Young women aged 20 to 24 saw a 46% rise. Among men, the largest increase was seen in those aged 25 to 34.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by bacteria and is commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. Symptoms include abdominal pain, pus-like discharge, and a burning sensation when urinating.
In Belgium, the number of STIs is rising significantly. However, the causes are still being debated, according to Veerle Doossche from Sensoa, the Flemish centre for sexual health.
"More casual or changing partners, increased sexual experimentation, and more bisexual contacts could be factors. It's also possible that some individuals don't inform their partners if they know they are infected. These are all hypotheses that need investigation," said Doossche.
Additionally, the ECDC suggests the lack of use of condoms and an increase in the number of sexual partners could explain the statistics.
According to Doossche, the effectiveness of the treatment of gonorrhoea is also an issue. "Another worrying aspect is the resistance of the gonorrhoea bacteria to antibiotics, which has required adjustments in treatment."
Other STIs, such as syphilis and chlamydia, are also on the rise. Chlamydia remains the most common STI in Europe, particularly among young people.
Prevention and education remain crucial. "Condoms are still the best way to prevent gonorrhoea or chlamydia infections," said Doossche. Regular testing is also important.
