Spike in STI’s

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Public health officials in Niagara say they’re concerned over the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections. They say there’s been a 91% increase in gonorrhea in the area in the last two years. Health officials say getting tested for a STI can be nerve wrecking or embarrassing for most people so it is now launching a new strategy that it hopes will help reduce the stigma associated with STI’s and get more people screened.

“People think that they don’t have an STI, it won’t happen to me, people don’t necessarily like to walk into a sexual health centre.” Kathy Bell, Niagara Public Health.

So instead of having to see a doctor, people can print off a form directly from the region’s website and take it to a lab for a free test. “It is a matter of handing in a lab requisition and peeing in a cup and you can head out the door.”

Results take about 2 to 7 days. If the results come back positive, you’ll get a call. Medication is also free at any public sexual health centre.

The number of cases of gonorrhea in Niagara climbed to 180 from 94 two years ago. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual intercourse and affects both men and women. Over the same period of time the number of cases of chlamydia jumped 13% to over 1200 cases. Symptoms can include burning or discharge but many people don’t show any symptoms at all.

In March, public health held a screening at Brock University. 280 people were tested, 3% turned positive for chlamydia. The problem isn’t unique to Niagara. In Halton gonorrhea cases nearly doubled between 2013 and 2015. Hamilton recorded nearly 280 cases last year alone. The infection can can get worse if it goes untreated.

“In women you can get things like pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility. Men can also get inflammation of the testicles.” Dr.Jessica Hopkins, Hamilton public health.

Doctors say people between the ages of 18- 29 are most likely to be infected. Niagara public health plans to hold a mass screening at Niagara college’s two campuses later this month. They say the best way to prevent an infection is to wear a condom.