A dramatic spike in chlamydia in the area may be due in part to fewer people using condoms, says Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
In a report recently presented to its board, a Public Health report cited an increase in rates of chlamydia from 139 cases per 100,000 in 2006 to 273 cases per 100,000 people.
“If you look at the past 10 years, we are looking at significant increases, but those are consistent with what we are seeing across the province and across the country,” said Tenenbaum by phone on Friday.
A total of 800 cases of chlamydia were reported in the area in 2018.
Rates of gonorrhea also climbed in the same time period, from 11 cases per 100,000 in 2008 to 34 cases per 100,000 people in 2018.
Tenenbaum said new testing that is better able to detect infections is one factor contributing to more cases being reported. Tests that used to require taking swabs have been replaced with ones that only require a urine sample.
There are also other possible contributing factors to the rise in sexually-transmitted infections in the area, said Tenenbaum.
“It’s likely a combination of factors, including better ability to detect infections, as well as an actual increase in the number of people who are infected,” he said. “We are detecting more of the cases that are out there because we have better tests that are more avialable and more acceptible.”
Although it wasn’t a part of the study, Tenenbaum said condom fatigue is trending across the nation, a phenomenon where people tend to be using the protection less frequently. He believes fewer people using condoms may be a contributing factor to the rise in sexually-transmitted infections in the area.
“We recommend people use condoms, in particular when they are with a new partner or with a partner whose background they don’t know,” said Tenenbaum.
He noted the use of dating apps like Tinder may also be a contributing factor.
“Today people are having a greater number of sexual partners and perhaps meeting them through things like online dating apps, it’s not always easy to know what your partner’s sexual history is,” said Tenenbaum.
The age range most affected in the area is from 20 to 29. Tenenbaum said that age range is also most likely to be using dating apps and to have multiple partners.
Peoples’ attitudes toward sexually-transmitted infections is also changing, said Tenenbaum.
“When we are talking about chlamydia and gonorrhea, they are very manageable. Both of them are bacterial infections which, if seen by a physician, they can give you antibiotics and you will get better quite quickly,” he said. “As our community is having different conversations about sexuality, there is less stigma. That also affects peoples’ assessment of the risk.”
