Why are STIs on the rise in some countries and not in others?

Key causes of rising STI rates

Fragmented information and a lack of information 

Policies on sexuality education vary widely between European countries. The Netherlands, for instance, does not have a uniform policy in place. As a result, young people are not provided with the same essential information. In the United Kingdom, programmes focus heavily on STI prevention rather than the broader inclusion of topics like sexual pleasure, mutuality and developing healthy intimate relationships with partners. According to research, a holistic approach that focuses on sexual health is needed to promote safe sex practises and successfully address STIs. 

Which countries have the best sex education programmes? 

• Sweden: sexuality education is as an integral part of the national curriculum, with lessons on different topics (medical facts and social aspects). 
• Germany: the LIEBESLEBEN programme talks openly about topics such as sexuality, sexual orientation and sexual health, using humour as a tool to break taboos. 
• Finland: has integrated sex education into health education and offers free STI testing to adolescents. 

Decline in condom use 

Condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly, which may be a contributing factor in the rise of STIs among young people. Spain and Italy lack effective condom campaigns and stigmas are still very present in their societies, while Sweden and Germany are actively raising awareness on the importance of condom use. 

Best practices 

• Safer Sex Education (Sweden): awareness about condom use has increased thanks to interactive workshops and social media. 
• LIEBESLEBEN (Germany): inclusive, taboo-breaking campaigns are reaching a wide audience. 
• The Netherlands has launched initiatives such as Sense but needs to tackle barriers like stigmas and lack of urgency more effectively.  

The antibiotic resistance crisis 

Antibiotic resistance is an urgent and growing health threat in Europe. Gonorrhoea in particular is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is dangerous because it makes treatment less effective and increases the risk of complications. Resistance is rising at a worrying pace particularly in the United Kingdom. 

How countries tackle antibiotic resistance:  

• Germany and the UK are investing in data-driven interventions and targeted campaigns. Regular STI testing and timely diagnosis are crucial to stop resistant bacteria from spreading. 
• Strict prescribing practices help slow down or reduce resistance. 
• Promoting consistent and correct condom use: prevention can play an important role in limiting the spread of STIs and antibiotic resistance. 

Lessons from Europe: what works?

Sweden: forerunner in sex education 

Sweden has one of the most comprehensive sex education programmes in the world. This may have contributed to a broader awareness of sexual health and low teen pregnancy rates. According to a report published by the Public Health Agency of Sweden on HIV prevention in the past decade, the integration of sexual health programmes into the education system has enabled a better understanding and targeted approach to STI prevention. 

Germany: inclusive and creative campaigns 

Sexuality education has been part of Germany's national curriculum since 1968. Campaigns such as LIEBESLEBEN break taboos and encourage safe sexual behaviours. With inclusiveness as a leading value, this approach resonates with many different groups of adolescents. 

Finland: focus on preventive care 

Finland combines openness with free STI testing and has integrated sex education into its welfare policy. 

The benefits of better sex education

The comparison of sexuality education in Europe has revealed that countries with robust sex education programmes are reaping the benefits: 

• Safer sexual behaviour through improved knowledge of condom use and STIs. 
• Lower healthcare costs as a result of a reduction in STI-related interventions. 
• Social gains as a result of less stigma and improved healthcare access. 
• Better control of antibiotic resistance through prevention.  

Solution-oriented actions for making progress

1. Make sex education a compulsory national curriculum subject. 
2. Introduce inclusive and large-scale safe sex campaigns. 
3. Make anonymous, free STI testing widely available. 
4. Focus on modern communications channels, such as social media and influencers. 
5. Stimulate research into alternative treatment methods. 
6. Learn from successful strategies like those in Sweden, Germany and Finland. 

Future perspective and conclusion

The increasing rates of STIs in countries such as the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and Italy indicate a pressing need for a coordinated approach. The strategies of Sweden, Finland and Germany show that robust sex education programmes, targeted campaigns and accessible care can contribute to significant improvements.  

Effective STI control emerges from a holistic sexual health strategy involving a variety of approaches which should include prevention, elimination of stigmas and removal of barriers to STI testing. Such strategy will not only help reduce STI prevalence, but also bring us closer to a healthier and more open society. 

Doctoronline can help you find a treatment that meets your specific needs.