Test this one, so I don't have to test you!

Figures from RFSU show that in 2024, condom use decreased for the first time in five years, and 49 percent state that they never use condoms.

Read the full report: The Condom Report 2024

At the same time, we see that Norway has one of the largest increases in chlamydia infection in Europe: The Nordic countries are at the top of chlamydia

At the same time, the treatment of gonorrhoea is threatened by increasing antibiotic resistance, both internationally and to some extent also in Norway: - May be impossible to treat

If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain and, in the worst case, infertility.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported solid increases in gonorrhoea of 60 per cent from 2022 to 2023 (1857 → 2985 cases), with the largest increase among women and heterosexuals under the age of 25.

In 2024, the numbers fell somewhat among young people, but the levels are still high – 3150 reported cases, an increase of 6 percent from the previous year.

Also read: Gender rot: Record numbers

The gonorrhoea bacterium is a changeable bacterium and develops resistance quickly. We know that several European countries already have problems – and in Norway, cases of resistance have been detected. (NRK: Fears medicine will stop working).

General frequent and unnecessary antibiotic use reinforces the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Also read: Fears medicine will stop working

As a side effect of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, many young people are at risk of pelvic infections and injuries that result in reduced fertility. Without symptoms – without testing – the infection is often left untreated. Then you are too late. 

There is a simple solution: Use a condom!

Biomedical laboratory technicians analyse biological material, and the detection of sexually transmitted diseases is one of many core tasks.

Biomedical laboratory technicians are crucial to finding the right diagnosis, so that everyone receives the right treatment.

In Norwegian microbiology laboratories, biomedical laboratory technicians analyse a large number of samples every single day. With the increasing spread of STDs, the proportion of testing for STDs is increasing, which puts great pressure on the laboratories.

The use of condoms is a very effective measure to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.