The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increased among the citizens of Barcelona last year 2022, especially in men. It is one of the data that was revealed this Monday by the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB) during presentation of its annual report Health to Barcelona. Thus, it is confirmed that the upward trend of recent years in the city in terms of STIs continues.
The ASPB data reveal notable differences between men and women. In the case of the meninfections have increased significantly in recent years, especially in the case of gonorrhea and the chlamydiawhich practically double the numbers. Specifically, compared to 2021, gonorrhea increased by 44% in men and chlamydia by 49%. In the womenhowever, has remained certain stability, and with lower figures.
The most frequent STI recorded in the citizens of Barcelona last year was gonorrhea, with an average incidence of 365.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Diagnoses of gonorrhea are mainly concentrated in menwith a high rate of 677.7 per 100,000; that contrasts with that of the womenthat is of 81 per 100,000 women, notably lower than theirs.
The second most common STI diagnosis in the Catalan capital is chlamydia, with an incidence of 329.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; 446.7 in men and 223.1 in women.
In view of this growing trend of STIs, especially in men, Barcelona City Council and the ASPB launched a campaign a few months ago with the slogan “Visca el sexe lliure (d’infections)” [“Viva el sexo libre (de infecciones)”], within the council’s Sexual and Reproductive Health strategy. Taking into account that STIs can be prevented, treated and curedthe campaign focuses on responsibility of each citizen when it comes to protecting themselves and their sexual partners; as well as the right of everyone to enjoy free and pleasurable sexuality, always based on consent and self-care. It also offers a website with a map of urgent care centers and links to resources to find more information about sexual health.
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In addition to these data regarding STIs, the ASPB report has also revealed other relevant information about the health of the Barcelona population. One of them has been increased life expectancy of citizens, which confirms the gradual recovery of this health indicator after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although in 2020 the average life expectancy in Barcelona was 85.6 years for women and 80.4 years for men; In 2022 these figures increased to 87.5 years in their case and up to 82 years in their case.