Yellowknife (Feb 20/06) - Sex infections are spreading like wildfire and teens and young adults are providing most of the fuel.

According to the 2005 Northwest Territories health report, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increased by 30 per cent in the past five years.

The 2005 NWT Health Status Report shows sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) are on the rise for youth ages 15 to 25. Condoms, and abstinence, are the only protection against STIs. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo The numbers: STIs have increased by 30 per cent in the 15 to 24 age group in five years The rate of gonorrhea in the NWT has increased by 300 per cent in the last two years One in 10 teens has had sexual intercourse by the age of 15 Females are twice as likely to be diagnosed with STIs Rates of infection are three times higher in smaller communities in the North Condoms are the only contraceptive to protect against STIs - SOURCE: Naked Truth and 2005 NWT Health Report

The Territories hold the dubious title of highest rates of gonorrhea in Canada and the second highest rates of chlamydia. Gonorrhea rates have increased by 300 per cent in the past two years.

The diseases are spreading most quickly among people between the ages of 15 and 25.

"There are people sexually active while drunk or under the influence," said chief medical officer Andre Corriveau. "Youth might have the knowledge but do not make the right decisions."

Complicating the problem is that a person can have a sex infection and not know it, helping spread the disease.

According to the report, more than 300 people in this age group out of 10,000 have an STI. The number is double in communities nearby Yellowknife and triple in the NWT's smallest communities.

The report also showed women being twice as likely to have an STI then men, though they are also more likely to be diagnosed as they seek more medical attention due to pregnancy.

Most of the teenaged girls interviewed for this story said they are afraid to have sex because of diseases.

A 17-year-old Yellowknife student said he has friends who probably don't use condoms. Another boy said he usually uses condoms, but would consider doing without if he knew his partner was clean.

One group of young girls said the real fear is getting pregnant.

But fear of disease and pregnancy isn't stopping teens from sexual experimentation at earlier ages. According to national statistics, 10 per cent of teens have had sex by the time they are 15 and four per cent of 15-17-year-olds have had a sexually transmitted infection.

Communicable disease specialist Wanda White said previous studies have shown that youth in the NWT tend to have their first sexual experience at younger ages than the rest of Canada.

According to a 2003 report, 67 per cent of youth between 15 and 25 in the three Northern territories have had sex, including 73 per cent of females.

One third of youth said they didn't use a condom during their most recent sexual encounter and condom use is even lower among young teens between 13 and 15. StatsCan studies also indicate teens engaging in sexual intercourse by age 13 are twice as likely to contract an STI.

"Youth know how to protect themselves but don't have a lot of self-confidence and are not able to negotiate for safer sex," said White.

Sir John Franklin high school advisory teacher Arnold Kraus said teens have to realize that sex is serious business.

"Kids need to learn how to talk about sexuality."

The health department is taking the problem seriously, said Corriveau.

A review of how STIs are diagnosed and treated is under way and Corriveau's office is working on a public relations campaign called The Naked Truth.

The goals listed in the plan include reviewing clinical practices to standardize STI treatment, supporting a variety of youth initiatives, an awareness campaign, new curriculum in schools, and getting community leaders involved over the next five years.