Wednesday 8 February 2012

Over-45s are warned of rise in STIs

Hearts, flowers, cards and chocolates are all part of meeting a new partner – but an unexpected sexually transmitted infection (STI) is something no one wants to receive.

This is message from NHS Somerset's sexual health advisers who are alerting over-45s to the rising levels of STIs among older people in the last few years.

The latest data published by the Health Protection Agency on sexually transmitted diseases in England and the UK shows that although rates of infection are highest in young adults there has also been an increase in diagnoses of infections in all age groups, particularly among those aged over 45.

Andrew Wilson, NHS Somerset sexual health promotion manager, said: "Concerns about the sexual health of older people compared to younger adults are well grounded.

"Nationally the numbers of cases of gonorrhoea, herpes and genital warts and HIV have all increased by substantial margins over the last 10 years nationally."

Chlamydia, the UK's most common STI, rose from 1,184 to 2,812 – a jump of 138 per cent.

Gonorrhoea on the same measure had increased by 14 per cent; syphilis by 337 per cent; herpes by 142 per cent and genital warts by 62 per cent.

Mr Wilson said: "The number of STI cases nationally for over-45s across all five conditions has increased by substantial margins over the last 10 years, in three cases more than doubling.

"Somerset statistics for the over-45s reflect the national trend and show an increase.

"When the 45-pluses were younger and first dating they protected against unwanted pregnancy but didn't think much about sexually transmitted infections."

Anyone who thinks they may have a STI is advised to contact their GP.

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