Sexually transmitted infection rates have risen among adults

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are becoming more common among older adults.

In the U.S., from 2012 to 2022, the number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in people aged 55 and older more than doubled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Syphilis cases in this age group increased seven times, gonorrhea cases nearly five times, and chlamydia cases more than tripled over those 10 years.

As part of an event leading up to the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases next month, highlights that both doctors and older adults often overlook the risk of STIs in this age group.

This issue is not just happening in the U.S. In England, data from 2022 showed that STI diagnoses increased by 22% from 2014 to 2019 among people aged 45 and older. Chlamydia was the most common STI, followed by gonorrhea.

Kowalska mentioned a few reasons why STI rates are rising among older adults.

First, people are living longer and staying active in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, which often includes having sex.

A 2018 survey from AARP and the University of Michigan found that 40% of people aged 65 to 80 are sexually active, and nearly two-thirds are interested in sex.

Hormone replacement therapy can extend sexual desire in older women, and drugs like Viagra can help older men stay sexually active.

Why are STI Cases Rising Among Older Adults?

Experts point to several reasons for the increase in STIs among older adults.

Today, people prefer to stay healthier and live longer. Sexuality and intimacy remain important for many adults well into their later years.

More older adults are also taking medications to address conditions like menopause-related vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction, which previously might have prevented them from having sex.

Additionally, this older generation often lacks education about preventing and testing for STIs, compared to younger generations.

Experts say these factors raise the potential for STI exposure among older adults, who are susceptible to infection due to a lack of condom use and insufficient attention to their sexual health by medical professionals.

Physical changes after menopause can also make it easier for women to contract infections. Normal barriers to infection are weaker, with the vaginal lining becoming thinner, a decrease in cervical mucus, and lower acidity in the vagina.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Rates?

Experts suggest several ways to help reduce infections among older adults, including better education for medical professionals.

Medical providers who care for older adults should be trained to regularly take sexual histories, assess sexual health needs, and offer comprehensive sexual health services. Older adults often have a primary care doctor they see regularly, providing a perfect opportunity to address these needs.

These services should include offering free condoms and lubricants with educational resources, behavioral counseling, vaccinations, routine screenings, and preventive treatments like doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) to protect against STIs after potential exposure.

It’s important that messaging about STI prevention also targets older people, not just the young. Most sexual health and STI advertising is youth-focused, using bright colors and photos of young people. Efforts should be made to improve sexual health communications and make services more accessible in places frequented by older adults.

Older adults can protect themselves and others by being proactive about their sexual health. They should inform their healthcare provider if they are sexually active and discuss healthy, safe sex practices.