Title: Gonorrhea in Norway: Cases Surge Among Men, testicular, and Long-term Health Risks Concerns Experts
As we moved past the New Year, Norway’s total gonorrhea cases climbed to 3,127, with males accounting for 2,217 and females 909. Kaja Marienborg, bioengineer and university lecturer at Oslo Metropolitan University, and head of the Norwegian Institute of Technology’s (NITO) bioengineering expert committee, notes that the rise in cases has led to the sexually transmitted infection (STI) being dubbed the "disease of lust" among young people.
A Decline in 2023, But Rebound in Late 2022
In 2023, registered cases stood at 2,985, a dip of 142 compared to the previous year. However, a late 2022 upsurge has pushed the 2022 total higher. Data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s (FHI) notification system for infectious diseases reveals this trend.
Gonorrhea on the Rise Among Men, Decline Among Women
The increase was most significant among men, while cases among women decreased compared to 2023.
Nine out of Ten View STIs as Serious
A survey by Norstat for the bioengineering institute found that over 90% of respondents consider STIs to be significantly or moderately health-threatening. Despite this awareness, testing levels remain low. Six out of ten who had unprotected sex didn’t get tested afterward, and nearly half admitted to having casual sex without a condom.
Marienborg emphasizes, "Most people with gonorrhea show no symptoms. Regular testing, especially when switching partners, is crucial. The test is simple, painless, and free in Norway. Yet, many people skip it due to perceived inconvenience or stigma."
Gonorrhea’s Severe Health Complications and Growing Resistance
Gonorrhea can cause serious health issues if untreated: chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and fertility issues in women; and prostate gland inflammation, urethral strictures, and penile scarring in men.
While antibiotic treatment is currently effective, there’s an increased risk of antibiotic resistance. Several European countries, including Spain, France, and the UK, have already reported resistance issues, and isolated cases have been identified in Norway.
Prevalence and Testing Behavior Among Norwegians
The survey revealed:
- 15% of respondents had an STI
- 44% had unprotected casual sex
- 64% of those who had unprotected sex didn’t get tested afterward
- 94% viewed STIs as significantly or moderately health-threatening
