STI trends shift in Finland after border closure with Russia

Finland has seen a shift in the patterns of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following the closure of its border with Russia in December 2023. Last year, the country registered over 12,000 cases of chlamydia, the most common STI, along with approximately 2,100 gonorrhea cases and 329 syphilis cases. M. Gissler, a professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), noted that the previous route for infections, particularly syphilis and gonorrhea linked to sex work, entering Finland from Russia has now been closed. While some infections are still acquired abroad, with men sometimes bringing STIs from countries like Thailand, the overall trend has been impacted by the border closure. Most STIs are diagnosed in young adults, but older individuals are also affected. THL warns that untreated STIs can result in severe health problems, including life-threatening syphilis and fertility issues from gonorrhea and chlamydia.

“

Previously, cases of syphilis and gonorrhea, especially those related to sex for payment, entered Finland from Russia. Now this route in eastern Finland has closed.