The condom remains effective against STDs — © rr
The number of cases of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STD) caused by a bacteria, has doubled in Belgium in four years. The estimated number of diagnoses rose last year to 130 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is evident from figures published by the Sciensano health institute on Monday.
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Belgium. Last year, gonorrhea was the most common STD among Belgian men for the first time. Although gonorrhea is the strongest hit, chlamydia is the most common. The number of chlamydia cases increased by 21 percent last year to 189 diagnoses per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 2019. Syphilis is the least common STD of the three. The estimated number of diagnoses increased from 65 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 to 73 last year.
Despite the significant increase (+ 145 percent) in women in recent years, gonorrhea was more than three times as common in men as in women. In men, the STD was mainly diagnosed last year in the age groups from 25 to 34 years (39 percent of cases). Gonorrhea in women was mainly diagnosed in a slightly younger group, namely 20 to 29 year olds (40 percent).
Chlamydia also occurs in both women and men, especially in people in their twenties. Syphilis mainly affects men. This STD was mainly diagnosed in men last year in the 30 to 39 age group.
Antibiotics
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Untreated infections can lead to complications and further spread. Sciensano emphasizes that it is important that treatment is carried out in accordance with the Belgian antibiotic guidelines, as the bacteria that cause gonorrhea show resistance to certain antibiotics.
Using a condom correctly is and remains the most effective measure to prevent infection with an STD.