STI rates increasing in the over 60s

New figures from Public Health England for 2013 show that the trend of more people over the age of 45 are diagnosed with an STI. This has led to claims from some experts that the baby boom generation have rarely (and some have never) used a condom. The FPA’s Harry Walker, who is the Policy and Parliamentary Manager said that “while increases in STI diagnoses can in part be attributed to greater awareness and better testing programmes, there has been an undeniable growth of STIs among older age groups…. some of these people will be from the ‘baby boom’ generation who grew up in the 1960s when the contraceptive pill was introduced and may have never or rarely used condoms.”

The rise in STIs in the 45 to 64 year old group is also worrying experts, often newly divorced, this group can become very active with many partners and have forgotten the high profile condom messages of the 1980s and 1990s as the possibility of pregnancy may no longer be an option, and they forget the dual purpose of a condom to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

While the total number of STIs fell during 2013 (from the previous year) there was a 7% increase in the 45 to 64 year olds and an 8.2% increase in the over 65s.  The most common infections were Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes and genital warts.  These figures only include STIs that the NHS tests for.  Better2Know finds that we have a high number of positives for Gardnerella and Ureaplasma, which are not tested for routinely by the NHS.

Better2Know can help you to get tested whatever your age. Our testing is private and confidential, so no one will know why you are at one of our clinics.  We will get you your results quickly and in some cities while you wait.  Call us today to book your appointment.