STI Rates in Adults 55+ Climb as Chlamydia More Than Triples in 10 Years
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 21
STI Rates in Adults 55+ Climb as Chlamydia More Than Triples in 10 Years
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 21
Summary
Adults 55 and older are seeing sharply higher STI rates, with chlamydia more than tripling over the past decade, gonorrhea rising sixfold and syphilis increasing even more, experts cited in the report said.
More sexual activity in later life—helped by longer lifespans, dating apps and medical advances—has not been matched by condom use, testing or sex education, leaving many older adults unaware of risks and symptoms.
Only 17% of older adults discussed sexual issues with a doctor in the past two years in a University of Michigan study, and 60% of those conversations were started by patients, reflecting gaps in routine care.
Doctors interviewed urged regular STI testing, partner discussions and barrier protection; they also highlighted PrEP, PEP and vaccines, while noting untreated infections can be more severe in older adults.