In recent years, the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Slovenia has been rising, with dermatovenerologists reporting a notable increase in cases of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Many of these infections remain undetected because they often present without symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. According to Laura Đorđević Betetto, a dermatovenerologist at the University Clinical Centre (UKC) Ljubljana’s dermatovenerology outpatient clinic, “We are encountering STIs daily, especially gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis, in our clinic.” She noted that this trend is not limited to high-risk groups but affects diverse populations, including both genders, age groups, sexual orientations, and nationalities. “Anyone who has ever been sexually active can be infected,” she emphasized. Similar observations have been made in Maribor, where dermatovenerologist Klemen Kikel from the UKC Maribor’s department of skin and sexually transmitted diseases reports an increased frequency of patients seeking urgent care due to these infections. He attributes this rise to several factors, including reduced condom usage, which he considers the most significant behavioral change compared to previous decades. Other contributing elements include the growing number of sexual partners, the use of dating apps and social media platforms, and the rapid formation of new sexual relationships. Increased mobility, travel, and international connectivity also play a role in spreading infections. The pandemic has further influenced patterns of sexual behavior. Laura Đorđević Betetto notes that after lockdowns eased, there was a surge in sexual activity involving multiple partners and non-committal relationships. “After the pandemic, when restrictions were lifted, there was a spike in infections,” she explained. She also highlights that many individuals associate condoms primarily with vaginal or anal sex, neglecting oral sex, which can still transmit infections. “Some infections are asymptomatic, meaning people don’t realize they’re carrying them, fail to use condoms, and unknowingly pass the infection on,” she added. Modern lifestyle trends, such as the use of psychoactive substances within the context of chemsex, a term referring to sexual activities facilitated by drugs, also contribute to the spread of STIs. These practices can impair judgment and lead to riskier sexual encounters. Katarina Trčko, another dermatovenerologist from the UKC Maribor’s department, explains that many STIs progress without noticeable symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to recognize the danger. “People often don’t see the immediate threat,” she says. A shift in public perception regarding HIV has also played a role in reducing precautionary measures. With effective treatments turning HIV into a manageable chronic condition rather than a fatal disease, some individuals no longer perceive it as a serious threat. Laura Đorđević Betetto points out that while younger generations are more open about sexuality, they tend to be less cautious. “Before 1990, everyone used condoms strictly because they knew that contracting HIV could mean death. Today, the taboo around sex has faded, but we face a different issue: insufficient protection,” she remarked. Similarly, Klemen Kikel observes that many bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, are sometimes viewed as less severe because they can be treated with antibiotics. This perception leads people to underestimate their personal risk of infection and believe that others are more likely to contract these illnesses. Katarina Trčko agrees, noting that people today take STIs less seriously than in the past. “Many view them as something that can be easily cured, so they often downplay the risks,” she adds. Despite greater access to information about health risks, experts stress that knowledge alone does not translate into changes in behaviour. Profimedia, a local media outlet, highlights that while awareness has improved, behavioural shifts remain slow. The challenge lies in ensuring that individuals understand the long-term consequences of untreated STIs, especially since some conditions, like syphilis, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious complications or even death. Meanwhile, the continued rise in cases underscores the need for ongoing education, accessible testing, and consistent preventive measures to curb the spread of these infections.
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