In this second part of our article, we review Open House’s consolidated data from 2023. While the first edition compared Open House’s figures with those from public health sources, in this edition we break down the data on infections diagnosed at Open House when patients had a prior medical consultation. We present where the infections were detected (genital, rectal, or pharyngeal areas), the type of infection, and the percentage of cases that presented symptoms.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea presented with symptoms in 71% of positive cases. 94% of the diagnosed cases were in men.

Regarding symptoms:

  • Urethral infections were symptomatic in 96% of cases.
  • Rectal infections: 69% symptomatic.
  • Only 28% of pharyngeal infections were symptomatic.
  • All vaginal infections were asymptomatic.

Location of gonorrhoea detection:

  • 50% in the urethra
  • 26% in the rectal area
  • 19% in the pharynx
  • 4% in the vagina

Chlamydia

84% of Chlamydia diagnoses came from male samples. It was symptomatic in 51% of cases.

Regarding symptoms:

  • 56% of urethral infections showed symptoms.
  • 61% of rectal infections were symptomatic.
  • All pharyngeal infections were asymptomatic.
  • Only 30% of vaginal infections showed symptoms.

Location of Chlamydia detection:

  • 59% in the urethral area
  • 20% in the rectum
  • 3% in the pharynx
  • 15% in the vaginal area
  • 3% in the prostate

In cases where both infections were diagnosed simultaneously (representing 7.8% of total positive diagnoses), 86% of cases presented symptoms (100% of them in men).

  • 90% of urethral co-infections were symptomatic
  • 80% of rectal co-infections were symptomatic

Location of co-infections:

  • 67% in the urethra
  • 33% in the rectum

Additionally, 2.6% of chlamydia and gonorrhoea co-infections also presented Mycoplasma Genitalium infection.

Syphilis

65% of Syphilis cases were symptomatic. Approximately 96% of diagnoses were in men and 4% in women.

Breakdown by stage:

  • 24% were primary syphilis
  • 41% were secondary syphilis
  • 35% were latent syphilis

Increase in STIs at Open House Clinics:

When comparing these figures to the data from 2022, we detected:

  • 16.5% more symptomatic gonorrhoea cases in 2023
  • 13% more chlamydia cases

Syphilis cases remained relatively stable

In conclusion, it’s clear that STIs are on the rise — and while that is a concerning trend from a public health perspective, it’s also important to consider that the increase isn’t solely due to more unprotected sex or greater sexual freedom (though that is undeniably part of the reality). STIs are also increasing because:

We’re conducting more screenings

We’re testing asymptomatic patients who engage in unprotected sex

Diagnostic methods have improved

We’re identifying infections in areas we previously didn’t test

At Open House, we offer the fastest, most accurate, and effective next-generation testing for STIs. Plus, our specialist medical team can provide same-day treatment if needed when you visit any of our clinics. Put your sexual health in the best hands!

Madrid Clinic Valencia Clinic Málaga Clinic Online sexual health services

Dra. Julieta Domingorena Córdoba

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