Sex stigma threatens the sexual health of silver singles

The diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections has risen by a third in people ages between 50 and 70. With increasing rates of divorce and online dating fuelling the surge in casual sex, the sexual health of the generation who may not have had access to sex education is threatened. Stigma and discrimination are not encouraging this commonly overlooked population to get the help and advice they need regarding their personal risk to STIs.

Older people may be feeling reluctant to talk to their doctor about any sexual health concerns they have due to stigma that is associated with the sex life of over 60s. A recent study found that prejudice and discrimination have vastly affected the health and wellbeing of older people – preventing them from reaching out.

A third of over 70s have sex at least twice a month but they face huge barriers particularly when it comes to seeking advice about sexual health.

Dr Hinchliff, University of Sheffield’s School of Nursery and Midwifery

With the fear of pregnancy being no longer applicable to older women and men who have gone through vasectomies, this population is at high risk of sexually transmitted infections. Public Health England’s statistics have revealed a 25% rise in the number of older men with Gonorrhoea, and ¼ more women who are over 65 were diagnosed with Herpes – both of which occurred in just one year.

The NHS recently launched a campaign to try and combat this; the three-month ‘Jiggle, Wiggle’ campaign targeted the older generation in Derbyshire, who may have thought the days of taking precautions were a thing of the past. Local NHS services handed out condoms at GP surgeries, as well from community venues and food banks.

Sexually Transmitted Infections will never discriminate by gender, race, religion or age. If you are having sex, then you are at risk. So, no matter who you are or how old you are, if you are having sex take sensible precautions like always wearing a condom, and just get tested!

Mike Asher, Co-Founder of Better2Know

Sources

[1] MedicalXpress: Removing the stigma surrounding the sex lives of the over 60s will help improve sexual health

[2] The Telegraph: Over 60s to be handed free condoms in attempt to battle rising STI rate