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You can also practice on a banana: condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Photo: iStockphoto / Getty Images

Sexually transmitted infections have become increasingly widespread in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEC) in 2022.

The number of gonorrhea cases, also known as gonorrhea, increased by almost half in the countries examined and reached almost 71,000, reports the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

It released its latest data on Thursday.

The number of syphilis cases rose by 34 percent to more than 35,000 in 2022 compared to the previous year, and the number of chlamydia cases rose by 16 percent to more than 216,000.

"The numbers paint a clear picture that requires our immediate attention and action," said ECDC Director Andrea Ammon at a press conference about the data.

Untreated sexually transmitted diseases can lead to a range of health problems, including chronic pain, infertility and, in the case of syphilis, neurological and cardiovascular complications.

Changed sex life after the pandemic?

In many regions, including Europe, rates of sexually transmitted diseases have been rising for years, although this development has since been halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The reason for this was probably that most governments had imposed social isolation measures.

People stayed at home and reporting rates fell.

According to the ECDC, there are a number of reasons for the ongoing increase: these include more people testing for sexually transmitted diseases at home, but also riskier sex lives.

Infection rates have skyrocketed, especially among young heterosexuals and especially among young women - which could be due to changed sexual behavior after the pandemic, the EU agency said.

European countries must focus on testing, treatment and prevention measures, said Director Ammon - and each individual must take measures to protect themselves: Using condoms regularly and correctly still helps.

The EU agency also advises talking to your partner about sexual health.

This could reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and increase general well-being.

fzs/Reuters