Applause!

I hate to be the one to inform you of this, but it's something that we need to talk about. Chlamydia is going around Ottawa right now like doobies at a frat party. I first heard about it a few weeks back; the word was that there's a Chlamydia "epidemic" within local high schools. It's not just high school kids who are getting it. More and more people are coming down with the clap and it's just going to keep spreading until we step up, individually and take action. Here's what you need to do: Go to your family doctor and get tested. If you don't have a family doctor, go to one of the numerous free (often anonymous) clinics around the city.

If your test results come back positive you'll need to contact everyone you've had sex with (protected or not) within the past 3 months and abstain from sexual activity for the duration of treatment and at least one week afterwards.
The treatment for Chlamydia is simply 4 antibiotic pills and is available for free through many of Ottawa's sexual health clinics.

Are you at risk? Chances are that you are.

Have you had sex in the past 3 months, or has it been more than four months since your last STD test?
Was it unprotected?
Have you had more than one partner in this time?

If you said 'yes' to any of the above, please be responsible and go get tested.
STI's and STD's don't discriminate. Any sexually active person can be at risk regardless of race, age or sexual orientation.

Play safe, sexy people. Always use protection.

For more information on sexually transmitted infections and diseases and to find a clinic close to you please see the Planned Parenthood website or inSpot (available in Ottawa thanks to Public Health and the ACO)

Another service that inSpot offers is an anonymous email service. You can inform your past and current partners about their exposure to an STI/STD through the website without revealing your identity.

Check yourself before you wreck yourself!