Closing the eastern border reduced gonorrhea and syphilis cases from Russia, but STIs continue to spread in Finland

The closure of Finland’s eastern border has reduced gonorrhea and syphilis infections arriving from Russia, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Last year, Finland recorded 329 syphilis cases, around 2,100 gonorrhea infections, and over 12,000 chlamydia cases, making chlamydia the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

THL research professor Mika Gissler said the border closure has affected infection routes in eastern Finland, where cases previously entered via cross-border sex work. Some travelers have since sought commercial sex abroad, particularly in countries like Thailand, bringing infections back to Finland.

Urban areas report higher infection rates than rural regions, reflecting greater opportunities for new sexual contacts. While young adults see the highest transmission rates, cases also appear among older retirees.

Gissler noted that despite strong sexual health awareness among youth and low teen pregnancy rates, STIs continue to spread. He suggested that free contraception for young people often focuses on pregnancy prevention rather than STI protection. Statistics also indicate that while fewer young people are sexually active, those who are may engage in riskier behavior, contributing to rising infection numbers.

Untreated syphilis can be fatal, while gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause severe inflammation and infertility. Many STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, are often asymptomatic, meaning testing and partner tracing are critical.

Gissler called for welfare regions to provide more free condoms to youth, emphasizing that STIs can have serious long-term health consequences.