University of Saskatchewan STI screening results

708 submitted urine samples that were collected and sent for testing—108 less than the unofficial world record set on Feb. 11, 2016 by Western University in London, Ontario.

“A steady stream of students provided urine samples today and were happy to be part of a world record attempt,” said Jocelyn Orb, manager of Student Health Services at the U of S. “Across Canada the highest rates of STIs are found in young adults, so holding this event on campus where many of our students are between 18-25 years old just made sense.”

According to Orb the goal of the event was to not only break a world record, but to increase awareness of the importance of testing for and promptly treating, STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV. Orb says regularly getting tested for STIs if you're sexually active is healthy behaviour worth promoting.

“This event has brought together on-campus and community-based organizations in Saskatoon for the first time to provide barrier-free access to STI testing for students,” said Jillian Schwandt, executive director of Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon. “We are excited to be part of an event that promotes testing and safer sex in a fun and engaging format.”

Schwandt says the event is timely, as lately there has been an increase in the rates of STIs, especially gonorrhea and syphilis cases, reported by the Saskatoon Health Region. Left untreated, the most common STIs can spread rapidly and cause serious health effects such as infertility. While HIV rates in Saskatchewan continue to be highest in Canada.

-30-

 

For more information, contact:

Meghan Sired

Communications Co-ordinator, U of S

306-966-6068 (work)

306-381-7992 (cell)

meghan.sired@usask.ca

 

Jillian Schwandt

Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon

306-715-0578

admin@shcsaskatoon.ca