In contrast to the encouraging news from the most recent report on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates in the U.S., a report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows a striking rise in STIs across the Atlantic.
The new data, which covers reported cases of STIs in 2023 across 29 countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), shows:
As in the U.S., public health officials in Europe are particularly concerned about congenital syphilis—when the infection passes to infants during pregnancy. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, and infants born with syphilis can have lifelong health issues. But timely testing and treatment can prevent this.
The EU/EEA saw syphilis cases in newborns increase slightly, from 73 in 2022 to 78 in 2023. In the U.S., 3,800 cases were reported in 2023, the highest number reported in one year since 1994, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Syphilis testing is a critical part of prenatal care. Experts believe testing and treatment of pregnant individuals would prevent nearly 90% of congenital syphilis cases.
Data like this don’t reveal why STIs are increasing, but public health authorities around the globe point to a combination of factors. These include increased testing with more sophisticated technologies, fewer young people consistently using condoms, and the erosion of public health resources that support STI control programs. Less discussed, but still important, is the tremendous impact of shame and stigma on accessing sexual health care.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Still, finding out that you or your partner has it can feel stressful and confusing. It’s normal to have a lot of questions: What does this mean for our health? Did someone cheat? Should we
Condom Sizing: Finding the right fit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTsv3MVICPI If you have a penis, it’s likely that you’ve 1) measured your penis; 2) wondered “am I large or small?” and 3) probably worried about whether you’re large or small. Just like the people to whom they’re attached,
The CDC just released STI Surveillance Data for 2024 that show cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are slowly declining.
Experts say that vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B is one of the most important things we do to protect infants.
Many people confuse love, commitment, and sex, or assume the three always go hand-in-hand. There are many ways to express love, and you don’t need to have sex with someone to show them you love them.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a group of viruses—hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. When hepatitis viruses damage liver cells, scar tissue is formed and those cells can no longer function.
Explore ways to make sex safer and communicate with your sexual partners about your expectations and boundaries.
Why are STI rates so high among young people? For insight we chatted with Dr. J. Dennis Fortenberry, a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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