September still looks like back-to-school for lots of us, regardless of how way back we left the classroom. For many young people who find themselves looking forward to freshman week or returning to their studies, nevertheless, the continued rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has led to a scarcity of guidance on protected sex and condom use. There could also be good reason to change to be sure that their studies will not be disrupted. by an unwanted infection.
In September 2023, the UK Health Security Agency Emphasis on students Use condoms and get tested commonly for STIs to assist prevent the spread of infection. This is smart advice for everybody, not only students.
gave Latest data The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control shows that from 2021 to 2022, syphilis cases will increase by 34%, chlamydia cases by 16% and gonorrhea cases by 48%.
Reflecting wider European trends, Ireland – where My own research Sexual Health – STI cases have also increased significantly. Health surveillance data Between 2019 and 2022, chlamydia cases increased by 20 percent, gonorrhea by 45 percent, and syphilis cases by 14 percent.
There are incidences of STIs. Especially high Among young people, especially those under 30 years of age. The highest notification rate for all STIs was 3088 per 100,000 population amongst women aged 20–24 years. Monitoring reports From 2023 From 2022, gonorrhea cases will increase by 133% amongst women aged 20-24 and 55% amongst men aged 15-19.
Gay, bisexual, and other men who've sex with men (MSM) represent one other key affected population in Ireland, accounting for 84% of gonorrhea and 71% of syphilis infections. In 2022.
However, data on STI rates amongst immigrants in Ireland are scarce. New diagnosis of HIVthe speed of bacterial STI co-infection was 17% which increased to 26% amongst MSM. A major proportion of recent HIV diagnoses were amongst people in Latin America (24%) and sub-Saharan Africa (20%).
European-wide data from European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) — an anonymous online survey of gay, bisexual, and other men who've sex with men — also indicates that immigrants Obstacles are encountered In engaging in protected sexual practices.
There could also be obstacles. Inadequate knowledge sexual and reproductive health, Financial restrictions, Language barriers and the experiences of Stigma and discrimination. around One in five Refugees experience sexual violence (probably a conservative figure given Low reporting rate rape and sexual assault), which implies they could be at increased risk of STIs.
Compared to those born in their very own country, The EMIS study High rates of condomless sex were reported amongst refugees, asylum seekers and those that had migrated to live openly as gay or bisexual.
Decreased condom use
gave Decreased condom use is a significant factor in the rise in STIs, especially amongst key populations akin to Young people And the MSM.
So what's the rationale for this decline?
Unfortunately, we don't know.
Our sexual health, like our health more broadly, is affected by a fancy interplay of individual, social and structural aspects. This approach is generally known as the socio-ecological approach, which takes under consideration the social, political and policy aspects that shape individual behaviour.
The impact of recent significant changes within the social, cultural and technological landscape on sexual health is starting to return into focus, but stays under-investigated.
For example, the proliferation of smartphone technology has meant increased use of online dating apps and the supply of pornographic content. There is evidence that increased use of pornography is related to greater likelihood of engaging in it. Sex without a condomwhile dating app users rate higher. Gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been instrumental in reducing HIV rates amongst MSM and is a vital prevention tool. However, PrEP can be related to higher rates of use. STI diagnosis. Recreational drug use is one other factor: MSM in Ireland are 53% more more likely to be diagnosed with an STI Engage in drug use.
Housing instability has been linked to Less safe sexMeanwhile, young homeless is growing In Europe, for instance, the variety of young homeless people in Ireland increased by 57% Between 2017-2022.
Emigration to Ireland increased. 31 percent in 2023 And it could play a task. Obstacles in Access to sexual health services For immigrants are Well documented. Concerns about access to condoms have been raised by National Organization for Immigrants' Rights, Nasc.
Addressing the challenge.
Development of interventions is vital. It can be necessary to handle the social, cultural and economic determinants of sexual health. This would require careful planning and investment by governments to enhance education, access to housing, and living conditions more broadly, especially for marginalized populations. An environment that supports, relatively than hinders, people in caring for their health is important to reducing the present increase in STIs.
Expanding access to services is critical. Recent introduction of SH:24A free home testing service has improved access to testing in Ireland. Peer-led community testing programs have proven successful in Dublin, but are lacking outside the capital.
We all have the best to a protected, healthy, and joyful sex life. By ensuring the supply and universal access of culturally appropriate services, education and data, and by implementing legal and policy frameworks that promote Dignity, equality and non-discriminationwe will improve sexual health and stem the tide of STIs in Europe.