STIs on the increase in over 50s!

A rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Over 50s is on the increase as people return to dating after failed relationships.
Now for the first time the Family Planning Association is basing its Sexual Health Week Campaign, called “The Middle Age Spread” – on this age group, focusingon the rise in STIs in the over 50s.
A spokesman said: “With more long-term relationships breaking up than ever before, older men and women are returning to the dating scene but in many cases ignoring safer sex messages and assuming warnings are aimed only at young people.
“With many having been in a long-term relationship it may not have been something they have had to consider for years and after the menopause, when pregnancy isn’t a concern, using condoms can be easily forgotten about. Result – STIs are making a comeback in a new generation.”
Statistics show a steady increase in STIs in the age group. Chlamydia cases in the UK rose by 72 per cent in men and women aged 45 to 64 between 2002 and 2006.
Surveys show that almost 20 per cent of people aged 45 to 54 admitted to having unprotected sex with someone other than a long-term partner in the last five years.
But national statistics are not reflected at Warrington Hospital’s Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. During the past four years about 13 patients a year have tested positive for a range of sexual diseases such as Chlamydia, genital warts, syphilis and gonorrhea.
Dr Debashis Mandal, consultant, said people may not be aware of the risk, : “This can be attributed to them never having had sex education and therefore not being equipped with the knowledge of the dangers unprotected sex can cause in the modern world of STIs. There is also denial thinking, that it will never happen to them.”
Dr Mandal said it is important for people to be tested if they have concerns for their sexual health and before embarking on a new relationship. The doctor said older people are more vulnerable to infections because of weakened immune systems and urged people to use condoms for protection.
Anyone with concerns can contact the GUM clinic at Warrington Hospital on 01925 662476.