Sexual Infections are on the rise among Canadians

[bootycall]

In 2008, there were 82,919 reported cases of chlamydia in Canada in 2008, 12,723 cases of gonorrhea and 1,394 cases of infectious syphilis, the three "nationally reportable" STIs. All three have been on the rise over the previous 10 years.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea predominantly affect those under 30, while the majority of cases of infectious syphilis occur in a slightly older group. In 2007, the highest reported rate of infectious syphilis occurred in men aged 30 to 39 and in women aged 25 to 29.

But in an article that appeared in January in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, four researchers reported that the rates at which these STIs were increasing between 1997 to 2007 in Canada were higher among the middle aged, between 40 and 59, than among those 15 to 29.

Males are still "disproportionately represented" among those with STIs in the 40 to 59 age group, acccounting for 60 per cent of chlamydia cases, 88 per cent of gonorrhea and 93 per cent of infectious syphilis in 2007.

Younger females, however, continue to be the largest group of chlamydia sufferers, with those 15 to 29 accounting for over half of reported infections in 2007.


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/07/30/f-sexual-health-middle-age-sti.html#ixzz0vT0JROcW

 

[Miss*Bijou]

Shouldn't this be in the lounge?

Isn't this section for questions?


Interesting...but stats don't do much good without the message IMO.

Younger adults are more likely to use condoms than older adults partly because of the awareness about HIV in recent years.

But experts on sexual health say it's time for those 40 and over to talk more frankly about sex with their partners and to practise safer sex if they aren't already doing so.

Laura Wershler, a director with the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health, BASED in Calgary, says sexual protection is necessary, regardless of age, and there is no need to be shy when embarking on a new relationship.

"It's like having a conversation about drinking and driving, wearing a seatbelt, and using anti-virus software on your computer. If we could normalize conversations about sex and STIs, we would all be better for it," she says.

But while STIs are clearly on the rise among middle-aged Canadians, it's important to remember there are actually many more cases of STIs among younger adults.

"We are still seeing much greater numbers of young people with STIs than we are seeing middle-aged people with STIs," says Dr. Rita Shahin, associate medical officer of health at Toronto Public Health.

"The percentage increases may look dramatic, but the absolute numbers are much, much lower among the middle aged compared to younger age groups."

She says, however, her advice is the same for both. "The big message is to use condoms, and if you are going to have a number of casual sexual partners, get tested for STIs regularly."

(from the same article as above)

 

[Health Nurse]

In 2008, there were 82,919 reported cases of chlamydia in Canada in 2008, 12,723 cases of gonorrhea and 1,394 cases of infectious syphilis, the three "nationally reportable" STIs. All three have been on the rise over the previous 10 years.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea predominantly affect those under 30, while the majority of cases of infectious syphilis occur in a slightly older group. In 2007, the highest reported rate of infectious syphilis occurred in men aged 30 to 39 and in women aged 25 to 29.

But in an article that appeared in January in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, four researchers reported that the rates at which these STIs were increasing between 1997 to 2007 in Canada were higher among the middle aged, between 40 and 59, than among those 15 to 29.

Males are still "disproportionately represented" among those with STIs in the 40 to 59 age group, acccounting for 60 per cent of chlamydia cases, 88 per cent of gonorrhea and 93 per cent of infectious syphilis in 2007.

Younger females, however, continue to be the largest group of chlamydia sufferers, with those 15 to 29 accounting for over half of reported infections in 2007.


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/07/30/f-sexual-health-middle-age-sti.html#ixzz0vT0JROcW

Hi bootycall

Some interesting statistics from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Rising STI rates in middle age people has also been seen in other countries as well. Back in April I read an article about an STI clinic in the Netherlands who found that “swingers” (heterosexual partner swapping or group sex) had high rates of STI. The age range of “swingers” who visited their clinic was 38-48 years.

The main point they were trying to get at was that other groups who may be high risk for STI like youth or men who have sex with men (MSM) get targeted sexual health information and more testing opportunities. While middle age heterosexual people don’t get the same sexual health opportunity.

I have seen this happen in other parts of the health care system. From my experience many health care professionals find the sex conversation with their clients difficult, but at the same will probably test you if they feel you are from a high risk group e.g. adding a chlamydia test while doing a PAP smear for a youth or a HIV blood test for a MSM.

This means if you are middle aged and your health care person does not know your sexual history there is a good chance you are not getting any STI information or tested.

All the infections mentioned above (gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis) are treatable with antibiotics and easily tested for at any doctors office.

I have heard from some people that they find it difficult bringing up the testing/ sexual health conversation with their doctor. If this is the case and you want testing you could always visit a different doctor at a walk in clinic or come to an STI clinic. If you go to a walk in clinic just ask for the tests and give as much of your sexual history as you want. If you are uncomfortable with this you can always keep it brief like “new partner”, “had a casual partner”

Here is a link on what tests to ask for.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq-about-sexual-health/3-getting-tested/

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.bccdc.ca
www.stiresource.com

 

[treveller]

With regard to the testing part, after a few false starts I was able to arrange a non-nominal (anonymous) blood test for herpes in Victoria last year. Seems it was the first time either the clinic or the lab had provided such a service, at least for the personnel I met. I intend to post the info properly at some point.

 

[Health Nurse]

With regard to the testing part, after a few false starts I was able to arrange a non-nominal (anonymous) blood test for herpes in Victoria last year. Seems it was the first time either the clinic or the lab had provided such a service, at least for the personnel I met. I intend to post the info properly at some point.

Hi treveller

I would be very interest in hearing how you were able to get the testing done anonymously.

Feel free to post your experience in the health section I think other members would also be interested.


HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.bccdc.ca
www.stiresource.com

 

[LaTongue]

The lack of anonymous testing is probably one of the factors in the increase in stds.
The more I think about it, I would say it is definitely one of the factors.

 

[Health Nurse]

The lack of anonymous testing is probably one of the factors in the increase in stds.
The more I think about it, I would say it is definitely one of the factors.

Hi La Tongue

I agree, I think we would have more testing if anonymous testing was easier to get. One thing I have noticed over the years is some people start off with anonymous testing at our clinics but once they realize the public health nurse is not going to call their wife or pass information to their doctor they start using their real name.

Currently we are working on an internet project were we are hoping to offer testing online. People would print off lab forms at home and then just go to their nearest lab.

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.bccdc.ca
www.stiresource.com

 

[LaTongue]

Hi La Tongue

I agree, I think we would have more testing if anonymous testing was easier to get. One thing I have noticed over the years is some people start off with anonymous testing at our clinics but once they realize the public health nurse is not going to call their wife or pass information to their doctor they start using their real name.

Currently we are working on an internet project were we are hoping to offer testing online. People would print off lab forms at home and then just go to their nearest lab.

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.bccdc.ca
www.stiresource.com

You never know what some do-gooder politician is going to do 6 mos or a year down the road.