STIs are not just in the realm of young adults

In the population between the ages of 50 and 70 years, STI diagnoses have increased by over 30% over the past decade.

The numbers are believed to underestimate the full extent of the STI epidemic, as the generation of baby boomers may be unable to pursue care or alternative options to prevent any stigma or shame associated with attending sexual health clinics.

Although most STI patients are from younger age groups, it needs to be clear from health messaging that STI issues and condoms are not only important to younger generations. Anyone, regardless of age can use Bexley Home STI kits from companies like https://www.bexleysexualhealth.org/home_sti_kits/ to carry out the tests in the privacy in your own home and then return for testing.

The explanation for the increase in STI cases in the over 50s is likely to be social factors. As unintended pregnancies are unlikely, rising divorce rates, finding partners later in life and dismissing the use of condoms have all led to growing STI statistics.

Owing to the death of a parent, or the dissolution of a partnership later in life, many older individuals will be re-partnered.

Warts, herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are recorded as the most common STIs among 50 to 70-year-olds. HIV diagnoses have also increased in the over 50s, with this age group now responsible for 16 per cent of new cases.

Statistics say that 54% of women and men between 50 and 70 years of age are reported to have intercourse twice a month. In this age bracket, studies have also investigated other health concerns, warning that other diseases such as diabetes are becoming a growing issue.