ID 114820507 © Kseniia Glazkova | Dreamstime.com

By Veronica Beltran

Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia to be exact

TYH: STI’s are on the rise

Sep 11, 2019 | 10:21 AM

Here’s a little something that shocked me when I heard it–STI’s are on the rise. Isn’t that strange? To me it seems kinda weird, I mean you’d think that being a first world country, we’d be educated enough on the topic to ensure that there wasn’t a spike in any sexually transmitted diseases.

However, this is not the case.

Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia are the infections that have seen a spike across the province, primarily in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, however, BC has seen a surge as well.

The age group that is currently seeing a significance in outbreaks are people younger than 30 and those over the age of 60. And the reason as to why, according to Kyla Turner, Education Manager at Positive living North, can be hard to pinpoint. However, it can possibly be attributed to antibiotic resistance, the lack of condom usage, lack of education, not having a family doctor, not knowing where to get tested or simply embarrassment.

Turner believes that in order to prevent outbreaks and spikes in STI’s that the education should begin at a young age, in schools, “we are having less Sex Ed in schools right now which I think is important for us to keep a really robust sexual health curriculum in all of our schools.”

CANADA WEST

Timberwolves' soccer teams fall short on Saturday

3h ago

B.C. Football Conference

Kodiaks earn victory over Broncos, move out of last place

3h ago

BCHL ACTION

Express roll to sweep of hometown Spruce Kings

4h ago

Turner mentions that if the Sex Ed offered at schools isn’t enough that there are places in the community where you can get informed. Foundry BC, Positive Living North, and Northern Health all offer programs to help educate you, and get you tested in a fun, non-judgemental environment.