Sharp rise in Chlamydia cases among young teenagers

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The number of sexually transmitted infections with Chlamydia bacteria has been growing strongly in Finland, having increased by 60 per cent since 1995, when the register of such infections was started.
      A new record of 13,854 new cases of chlamydia infection was reached last year. In the group of young people aged 10 to 14 the infection rate nearly doubled, from 38 cases in 2005 to 67 in 2006. The majority of the infected children were girls.
      In the age group of teens aged 15 to 19 the number of infections was 3,325, with about 800 of the cases being male.
      According to the researchers, these figures represent just the tip of the iceberg, as frequently persons who have chlamydia have no symptoms and do not know that they are infected. However, if not treated by a doctor, the infection can cause infertility, or ectopic pregnancy or other dangerous complications of pregnancy.
     
Monitoring infectious diseases in Finland, the National Public Health Institute believes that the growing number of sexually transmitted infections among women aged under 20 is a result of changes in sexual behaviour. Typically, today's young women start having sex earlier, have a large number of partners, and neglect the use of condoms, as safe sex is apparently not trendy enough.
      A sharp surge occurred also in the spread of HIV in 2006. A total of 192 cases were recorded last year, while the figure had remained at around 130 for many years.
      Sexually transmitted diseases have long been overlooked in the public health sector, after the risk of HIV prompted a spate of large headlines and protection campaigns in the 1980s, notes Professor Petri Ruutu from the National Public Health Institute.
     
One in five 14-year-olds and two in three 16-year-olds have already started their active sex lives, according to some estimates.
      The surveys conducted by the Family Federation in Finnish comprehensive schools indicate that the schoolchildren's knowledge of STDs is weak, even though the level has somewhat improved since 2000.
      The Family Federation calls for cost-free distribution of condoms and contraceptive pills to all under 20-year-olds who need them, as is the case in other Nordic countries.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Sexually-transmitted HIV infections on the rise (5.9.2006)

Links:
  National Public Health Institute
  Family Federation

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