Sexually-transmitted-disease cases growing in Belgium

“The number of sexually transmitted infection cases is climbing alarmingly in Belgium, as in the rest of the world,” announced the Federal Center for Health Care Expertise (KCE). The most spread-out STD’s are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

The increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases is most apparent in the chlamydia cases. Half of all the new cases with STD were reported to have chlamydia infection. The number of cases with chlamydia rose from 9.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2002, to 60.1. per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016. Chlamydia is most often diagnosed in young women.

The number of cases with syphilis has increased from 46 cases in 2002, to 943 in 2016.

These infections often go unnoticed. As such, to standardize their diagnosis and their treatment, KCE has developed two practical clinical guides. Such a tool, mainly for general practitioners, did not exist before in Belgium.  In addition the center is also planning to develop an online, interactive tool to help general practitioners discuss STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in consultation.

It is highly important to discuss sexual health with all patients.