STDs: Increased Number of Infections among Older People

15.12.2010 | By: T. F.

The trend of sexually transmitted infections is rapidly growing among people above the age of 45. What is the cause?

An increased number of older people is faced with sexually transmitted infections (Photoxpress)

A study conducted by the British Health Protection Agency showed the rate of sexually transmitted infections among the people above the age of 45 has more than doubled in the last decade. Researchers studied the number of the infected in 19 health institutions and compared their findings to the ones from 1996 to 2003. The number of infected people has dramatically increased and they counted 4,445 infections among people above the age of 45.

Who is to blame for the increase of sexually transmitted infections?

Dr. Babatunde Olowokure of the HPA observation unit in Birmingham says: “Older people are increasingly likely to be single or undergoing relationship changes and are less likely to consistently use condoms, perhaps because the risk of pregnancy no longer exists.”

The findings of the research also showed that, along with frequent sexual activity and failure to use condoms, a growing number of sexually transmitted infections among older generations is a result of increased international travel, internet dating, new drugs to counter erectile dysfunction and overlapping sexual networks.

Who is more inclined to contract sexually transmitted diseases?

Campaigns and strategies for healthy sex are directed, in particular, towards the generations below the age of 25, which show positive results, but they, on the other hand, do not include all age groups, which consequently leaves the option of sexually transmitted infections increasing in older generations. Risky attitudes in sexual relationships are therefore not related to age groups and everyone is at risk. It is, however, true that men are more inclined to sexually transmitted infections than women. There is a rise in the number of men infected with herpes, gonorrhoea and genital warts.

Preventive action against sexually transmitted infections is therefore necessary for all age groups because it prevents a number of unpleasant complications that are the result of irresponsible sexual life.