STDs on the rise among the elderly: the taboo of sexual health in old age
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often associated with young adults, but in recent years the statistics have changed. In several European countries, diagnoses of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis in middle-aged and older individuals are growing at an unexpected rate.
A silently growing phenomenon
In the UK, it was reported that in 2023 there were over 1,600 diagnoses of bacterial STIs in people over 65, almost triple the number in 2014. France shows a similar trend, with notable increases in individuals over 50, especially in cases of syphilis and gonorrhea.
Denmark also provides surprising figures: between 2022 and 2023, men over 50 saw some of the largest increases in STI diagnoses in the country. And across the European Union in 2023, 32% of syphilis cases were in individuals aged 45 and older.
This growth highlights a reality: sexual health in the elderly remains a largely unexplored and, in many cases, ignored territory.
Factors behind the rise in cases
The aging population and increased life expectancy play a significant role in this trend. More people are remaining in good health, prolonging their sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction medications, such as Viagra, have opened up new possibilities for men who, decades ago, may have ceased their sexual activity. Additionally, the fact that women outlive men leads many to seek new partners at older ages, increasing the risk of infections.
Furthermore, there is a cultural factor: many older adults believe they are free from certain risks as they no longer worry about unwanted pregnancies, but this does not mean they are protected from STIs. Lack of knowledge about prevention, along with the absence of campaigns specifically targeting this group, contributes to the trend.
A study from the University of Manchester warns that, at least in England, diagnoses will continue to rise until 2040, posing a future economic and healthcare challenge.
The taboo of sexuality in old age
Beyond the numbers, the issue is exacerbated by a social factor: taboo. The mistaken idea that older people do not engage in sexual activity persists in both society and medicine.
According to Matthew Smith, a professor at Texas A&M University, this perception leads to older adults not discussing safe sexual practices with their partners or doctors. The result is a lack of prevention and late diagnoses.
Experts agree that a shift in focus is necessary:
- Healthcare professionals should include sexual health in their consultations with patients of all ages.
- Education on STIs should be expanded to reach older individuals.
- Open discussions about sexual history, testing, and condom use should be part of routine conversations, even in old age.
Sexuality, experts remind us, does not disappear with age: it accompanies people throughout their lives. Destigmatizing it is key to reducing the impact of infections.
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