Barcelona Clinic Reveals Alarming Rise in STIs Among Adolescents: Average Age Just 16
BARCELONA — A specialized clinic in Barcelona has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents, revealing that the average age of patients seeking treatment is just 16 years old. The findings, presented by pediatric infectious disease specialists at Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital, highlight a growing public health concern in Spain and across Europe, where STI rates among young people have surged in recent years.
The clinic, located in the Drassanes neighborhood of Barcelona, has been operating since 2019 as part of a targeted effort to address the unique needs of adolescents aged 13 to 17. According to data from Vall d’Hebron, the majority of young patients present with chlamydia or gonorrhea, two of the most common bacterial STIs. Many arrive at the clinic without symptoms, underscoring the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable age group.
Dr. María Espiau, a pediatrician in the hospital’s Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Unit, emphasized the necessitate for specialized care for adolescents. “Until 2019, these young patients were treated in adult units,” she explained in a recent briefing. “But we quickly realized they required a different approach—one that is faster, more confidential and tailored to their specific needs.” The clinic’s data shows that 41 adolescents were treated in 2025 alone, with 22 of them diagnosed with an STI.
The Scope of the Problem
The rise in STIs among adolescents is not isolated to Barcelona. Across Europe, health authorities have reported similar trends, with gonorrhea cases among young people nearly tripling in the last five years. In Spain, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics has noted that gonorrhea rates in minors are now more than 11 times higher than they were in 2014. Chlamydia, another common STI, has also seen a steady increase in incidence.
The Drassanes clinic’s patient profile is diverse, reflecting a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and backgrounds. Adolescents arrive both alone and accompanied by friends or family, often seeking care after becoming aware of potential exposure or through routine screenings. The clinic’s staff, which includes pediatricians, nurses, and psychologists, provides not only medical treatment but also sexual health education and emotional support.
“Many of these young people are navigating their first sexual experiences,” said Espiau. “They need a safe space where they can ask questions without judgment and receive accurate information about prevention and treatment.” The clinic’s approach includes confidential consultations, rapid testing, and follow-up care to ensure treatment adherence.
Why Are STIs Rising Among Adolescents?
Public health experts point to several factors contributing to the rise in STIs among adolescents. One key issue is a lack of comprehensive sexual education in many schools. While Spain has made progress in recent years, gaps remain in providing young people with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. A 2023 report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found that only about 30% of adolescents worldwide receive adequate sexual health education, leaving many ill-prepared to make informed decisions.
Another factor is the increasing normalization of casual sexual encounters, often facilitated by dating apps and social media. While these platforms can provide opportunities for connection, they also lower barriers to sexual activity without necessarily promoting safe practices. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2024 found that adolescents who met partners online were less likely to use condoms compared to those who met partners in person.
Stigma and fear of judgment also play a role. Many adolescents delay seeking care due to concerns about confidentiality or being judged by healthcare providers. The Drassanes clinic addresses this by ensuring that all consultations are private and that patients are treated with respect and empathy. “We want them to feel comfortable coming to us, even if they’re not sure whether they’ve been exposed,” Espiau said.
A Proactive Approach to Screening and Prevention
In response to the rising STI rates, Vall d’Hebron launched the Drassanes Exprés program in 2025, expanding a successful adult screening initiative to include adolescents. The program aims to optimize STI and HIV screening by offering rapid, confidential testing with same-day results. This approach reduces the time between diagnosis and treatment, which is critical for preventing the spread of infections.
The clinic also collaborates with schools and community organizations to raise awareness about STIs and promote safe sex practices. Workshops and outreach programs focus on topics such as consent, condom use, and the importance of regular testing. “Prevention starts with education,” Espiau noted. “We need to reach young people before they become sexually active and equip them with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”
For adolescents who test positive for an STI, the clinic provides free treatment and follow-up care. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, are typically treated with antibiotics, but reinfection is common if sexual partners are not also treated. The clinic’s staff works with patients to notify partners and ensure they receive care as well.
The Global Context: A Worsening Crisis
The situation in Barcelona reflects a broader global trend. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide, with adolescents and young adults disproportionately affected. In Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported a steady increase in STI cases since 2010, with gonorrhea and chlamydia among the most commonly diagnosed.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem, as disruptions to healthcare services and reduced access to sexual health education led to a decline in testing and treatment. While services have since rebounded, the backlog of undiagnosed cases has contributed to the current surge. “We’re seeing the consequences of delayed care,” said Espiau. “Many young people who might have been diagnosed earlier are now presenting with more advanced infections.”
What Can Be Done?
Addressing the rise in STIs among adolescents requires a multi-faceted approach. Public health experts recommend the following strategies:
- Comprehensive Sexual Education: Schools must provide evidence-based sexual health education that covers topics such as consent, contraception, and STI prevention. Programs should be inclusive and address the needs of all adolescents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Accessible Testing: Adolescents need easy access to confidential testing and treatment. Clinics like Drassanes Exprés play a critical role in reducing barriers to care, but more resources are needed to expand these services.
- Destigmatizing STIs: Reducing stigma around STIs is essential for encouraging young people to seek care. Public health campaigns should emphasize that STIs are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
- Parental and Community Involvement: Parents, teachers, and community leaders can help by fostering open conversations about sexual health and providing adolescents with accurate information.
- Research and Surveillance: Ongoing research is needed to understand the factors driving the rise in STIs and to develop effective prevention strategies. Improved surveillance systems can help health authorities track trends and respond quickly to outbreaks.
Key Takeaways
- The average age of adolescents seeking treatment for STIs at Barcelona’s Drassanes clinic is 16 years old.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common infections among young patients, many of whom are asymptomatic.
- Gonorrhea cases among adolescents in Spain have increased more than 11-fold since 2014.
- The Drassanes Exprés program offers rapid, confidential STI and HIV screening for adolescents.
- Comprehensive sexual education, accessible testing, and destigmatization are critical to addressing the rise in STIs.
What Happens Next?
Vall d’Hebron plans to expand its adolescent STI program in the coming months, with a focus on increasing outreach to schools and community centers. The hospital is also collaborating with regional health authorities to develop guidelines for STI prevention and treatment in young people. Meanwhile, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics is advocating for nationwide policies to improve sexual health education and access to care.
For adolescents and their families, the message is clear: STIs are preventable and treatable, but early detection is key. Regular testing, open conversations about sexual health, and access to confidential care can make a significant difference in reducing the spread of infections.
As Dr. Espiau put it, “We have the tools to address this issue, but we need to act now. The health and well-being of our young people depend on it.”
What are your thoughts on the rise in STIs among adolescents? How can communities better support young people in making informed decisions about their sexual health? Share your comments below and join the conversation.