Chlamydia Soars in Over 45's
Cases of chlamydia among the over-45s has more than doubled in ten years alongside other sexually transmitted infections as a result of rising divorce rates and higher rates of unprotected sex among older people.
This has been fueled in part, according to epidemiologists, by the development of drugs to treat erectile dysfunction and the availability of online dating. In the past few years, the greatest increase in the use of online dating services occurred in those over the age of 50. And becoming widowed or divorced is leading to exposure to more sexual partners and a greater risk of an STI.
The groups that tend to take STIs the least seriously are middle-aged and older people. Statistics from a recent study published in Student British Medical Journal indicate that approximately 80 percent of those between the ages of 50 and 90 remain sexually active. They may have ushered in the sexual revolution but it seems the baby boomers remain quite naive when it comes to the risks of STIs. They are less likely to practice safe sex than their younger counterparts, some believing that because pregnancy is no longer possible, contraception is not needed. And at every age, women are at greater risk of acquiring an STI, with women post menopause at the highest risk.
In many retirement communities in Florida and Arizona, there are six single women for every single man. STIs have been widely spread by men, referred to as “condo cowboys”, who have multiple sexual partners and do not practice safe sex. In the UK, one survey last year found one in ten Britons aged over 50 was happy to have a fling on holiday. Research has also suggested older ‘swingers’ are pushing up rates of STIs with some of the highest rates among heterosexual couples who swap partners at organized parties and indulge in group sex.
Chlamydia, the UK’s most common STI, rose from 1,184 to 2,812 – a jump of 138 per cent. Taking a chlamydia test today could help prevent future health problems.
An STD test is vitally important if you have multiple sexual partners or are in a new relationship. If you are beginning a new relationship, think about getting tested first. Obtain fast, accurate results with a home chlamydia testing kit.
Be Safe, Get Tested.
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