Monday, March 21, 2011
Get tested. Why Not? Introducing an easier way to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea
Ottawa – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is making it easier to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. OPH has launched gettestedwhynot.ca to give all Ottawa residents, especially people aged 15 to 29, easy access to a screening tool and a requisition form for regular testing of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The number of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in Ottawa has more than doubled in the last 10 years, with the highest rates among people aged 15 to 29. Many people will not experience any symptoms so testing is the only way to know if they are infected. Early detection and treatment of STIs are the keys to preventing long-term health issues and preventing the spread of infections.
Now gettestedwhynot.ca makes testing for these STIs simple by providing the necessary forms online. Residents can access the screening tool and download the requisition form from the site and then take it to any medical laboratory in Ottawa for a simple urine test that can diagnose chlamydia and gonorrhea. OPH recommends that all sexually active individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 get tested regularly. Anyone with symptoms, such as burning with urination or discharge from penis or vagina, should seek medical attention immediately.
OPH is the first public health unit in Canada to offer web access to a screening tool and downloadable requisition form for testing of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Gettestedwhynot.ca also offers additional information on other STIs, preventing the spread of STIs and contraception.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
There are many types of STIs, but infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea continue to be on the rise in Ottawa and across the province, with the highest rates in people aged 15 to 29.
Chlamydia, the most frequently reported of the two is known as the “silent infection” because about 70 per cent of infected women and 50 per cent of infected men have no symptoms. Chlamydia is easily treated and cured with antibiotics, but early detection and treatment is important to decrease further transmission of the infection.
About 50 per cent of men and women infected with gonorrhea do not have symptoms. Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women and cause infertility in both women and men. Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea is easy to treat with antibiotics but early detection and treatment is important to prevent long-term health problems.
Who is at risk?
Any person who is sexually active, especially people between the ages of 15 to 29 and who has sexual contact with multiple or new sexual partners are at risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea infection.
What can people do about the risk?
Practicing safer sex, by using latex or polyurethane condoms, gloves and/or dental dams for oral, anal or vaginal sex can reduce the risk of STIs. Getting tested for STIs is important to prevent long-term health issues and preventing the spread of infections.
Who should get tested?
OPH recommends that all sexually active individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 get tested regularly.
For more information visit gettestedwhynot.ca or call the Sexual Health Info Line at 613-563-2437. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest news from OPH.
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