Bacterial STDs are on the rise among young Canadians, and are spreading fast.
"We're seeing younger and younger females being infected," said Dr. Marc Steben of Montreal Public Health's infectious disease unit. "We're seeing the rate increasing in all age groups, not only the young, and we're seeing men after 45 being infected."
Health Canada's statistics show:
- In 1997, there were about 3,400 cases of chlamydia; in 2000, cases of chlamydia jumped to over 4,600 Gonorrhea went from 4,500 cases in 1997 to over 6,000 in 2000
"They often come to me to discuss symptoms and make doctors appointments and they're afraid," said high school guidance counsellor Barbara Levine. "And so I'm the person who deals with the aftermath."
For years, STDs were on the decline in Canada. Levine points to the heavy promotion of sexuality among teenagers as one reason for their increase.
The uninhibited styles of cultural icons like Britney Spears and the "anything goes" mood of rave parties are contributing factors.
Public health experts say the biggest problem is the taboo surrounding condoms.
"North Americans have a view of condom use during intercourse as a minimized sexuality, like a sexuality that has something that's been lost," said Steben.
Levine said she has a hard time trying to convince teens to use protection. Health experts say they wish more people wouldn't take no for an answer when it comes to safe sex.
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