2023-06-09 18:26:49
Among people aged 20 to 24, the number of cases has almost doubled since 2018, from 96 cases in 2018 to 181 cases in 2022, according to the BCCDC.
Among 15 to 19 year olds, it went from 14 to 30 cases during the same period, with a peak of 35 cases in 2021.
One of the explanations for this increase could be that young people do not know how to prevent this infection or how it spreads, as claimed by public health experts.
Aileen Ghandi, patient care co-ordinator at a youth reproductive health clinic in Surrey, Surrey Youth Clinicsays that some young patients think it is not possible to get a ITS during oral or anal sex.
It’s a huge learning curve for some of our younger clients.
she adds.
Young people also reported that condoms break, are the wrong size or do not work. This is why it is important to explain the importance of using protection, says Aileen Ghandi.
When the number of infections increases, the risks of being exposed to them are higher, underlines in turn Dr. Jason Wong, doctor in public health at the BCCDC.
It is very important to get diagnosed and know to seek care
he says.
What are the symptoms?
Screening for syphilis, a treatable disease, can help prevent long-term consequences, explains Adele LaneHead of Public and Population Health at the Fraser Health Authority.
The infection manifests itself in stages. In the primary stage, a painless lesion may appear at the site of the infection, either the genitals, the anus or the inside of the mouth. It often goes unnoticed, but the infection continues to progress.
In the secondary stage, a rash may appear on certain parts of the body, such as the chest or stomach. Fever and hair loss may also occur at this stage.
If the infection is not treated, it progresses to a latent stage, which means that the person may not show any symptoms for a period that can extend over 30 years, according to the BCCDC.
Experts believe that without proper knowledge and preventive measures, theITS can continue to spread among partners and cause serious health problems, such as infertility and loss of hearing and vision. Women can also transmit the infection to fetuses and newborns, which can be fatal, says Adele Lane.
Education is the key to healthy sexual health
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A safe space for education and treatment
Aileen Gandhi acknowledges that it can be intimidating for young people to seek help with sexual health, as they are sometimes stigmatized by family and friends.
According to her, clinics for young people are an example of a safe and confidential space where they can obtain information and support, including tests and treatment for ITS.
She points out that if a diagnosed person is embarrassed to talk about their ITS to his or her partner, public health nurses can inform him or her anonymously, which helps prevent the spread of infection and subsequent health problems.
According to information from Baneet Braich
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