Belgium has seen a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past four years, according to public health institute Sciensano's report which was published on Monday.
This surge mirrors the "worrying trend" in STI rates across the EU, as highlighted by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) earlier this month. At the time, the organisation noted a "shocking and concerning" surge in syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
The same STIs are on the rise in Belgium. Gonorrhoea infections have risen by 99%, from 66 to 130 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between 2019 to 2023. Last year marked the first time the infections predominated among men.
In the same year, there was a 21% increase in chlamydia diagnoses, from 156 to 189 cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to four years ago. Chlamydia, highly infectious yet often asymptomatic and primarily affecting women, is the most common STI in the country.
Syphilis diagnoses have increased by 13%. The estimated cases climbed from 65 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 to 73 in 2023. Syphilis most commonly results from sexual intercourse between men.
Why the rise?
Rising STI rates can be attributed to a lack of awareness about transmission, prevention, testing and treatment. In addition, condoms are not used as often as they should be, people meeting online often leads to unprotected sex, and there is a desire among some young people to "make up for lost time" in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In light of soaring infection rates, Sciensano stresses that using a condom remains the most effective way to prevent STIs. If infection occurs, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can all be treated with antibiotics. Without proper treatment, these STIs may lead to severe complications such as pelvic inflammation, chronic pain and even infertility.
