Surge in sexually transmitted infections spurred by declining use of condoms

The Catalan health department is registering an increase of sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis in Catalonia in recent years, as reported during the 15th conference update on STIs, held at the Teaching Unit of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lleida.

According to Joan Colom, the general director of addictions at the Catalan health department, this uptick in sexually transmitted infections is due to several factors, including declining condom usage, an increasing number of asymptomatic individuals, and the rising prevalence of risky sex practices like chemsex.

Higher rates of STI incidence may additionally have resulted from the increase in STI tests distributed to populations across Catalonia over recent years. With more tests distributed, more cases of STI are consequently detected. 

Although the health department dispenses over two million condoms per year free of charge, in response to these new statistics, authorities aim to make condoms even more accessible to populations across Catalonia.

Some of the new approaches include doubling the amount of condom distribution machines it employs and looking to implement a more stringent sex education policy. The goal of the health department is to strategically curb STI incidence rates in the coming years. 

Along with these new statistics and proposed solutions, the 15th update conference on STIs also bore news about innovations in sexually transmitted infection prevention and diagnosis.

Preventing more STIs

The Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug introduced in Catalonia three years ago is a strategic preventive tool against HIV that has proven a useful in reducing the risk of infection, especially for individuals faced with higher chances of contraction.

Director Colom also accredited the rising popularity of the STI self-test as being an effective method of detection that has helped to prevent the spread of STIs over time. With over 450,000 STI tests taken in Catalonia last year, self tests have allowed for a more convenient screening and have supplemented detection efforts over the last decade.