CDC Data Reveals Alarming Trend of Surging Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates Among Older Adults
In recent years, an alarming trend has emerged that sheds light on the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older adults. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have more than doubled among older Americans between 2012 and 2022. This revelation has sparked concerns among medical professionals and calls for increased awareness and education regarding the risks of STIs in this age group.
A presentation by Justyna Kowalska, a professor of medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw, highlighted the overlooking of STI risks among both doctors and older adults themselves. Kowalska emphasized that many people age 55 and over are unaware of the potential dangers associated with STIs, attributing this lack of awareness to a focus on factors such as smoking, diet, and exercise rather than sexual activity.
The increase in STI diagnoses among older adults is not just limited to the United States. In England, for example, people aged 45 and above reported a 22% increase in STI diagnoses between 2014 and 2019. The most prevalent STIs among this age group were chlamydia, followed by gonorrhea.
Several factors contribute to the rise in STI rates among older adults. One significant factor is the increased longevity and active lifestyles enjoyed by individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Contrary to previous generations, older adults today engage in sexual activity well into their later years. A study conducted by AARP and the University of Michigan found that 40% of people aged 65 to 80 are sexually active, with two-thirds expressing interest in sexual relationships.
Advancements in medical treatments also play a role in prolonging sexual desire and activity among older adults. Hormone replacement therapy can help older women maintain sexual desire, while drugs like Viagra enable older men to continue engaging in sexual activity despite erectile dysfunction.
Matthew Lee Smith, an associate professor at Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health, suggests that the lack of formal sexual education received by older adults during their youth may contribute to their limited knowledge about STIs, including symptoms and prevention methods. Additionally, doctors may feel hesitant to inquire about their older patients’ sex lives, and older adults themselves may be unwilling to discuss the topic openly.
Smith highlights the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “Everyone doesn’t want to think about grandma doing that. You won’t ask grandma if she’s wearing condoms – and that’s part of the problem because everyone has the right to intimacy.” Moreover, older men may face challenges with condom use due to a lack of skill or erectile dysfunction.
Another contributing factor to the rise in STI rates among older adults is the changing landscape of relationships and partnerships. Many older adults married earlier in life and had one sexual partner until they divorced or were widowed. Consequently, they may not consider using condoms since pregnancy is no longer a concern. Moreover, settings such as nursing homes, which often have more women than men, have been found to facilitate sexual activity among residents, potentially leading to multiple and shared partners.
Medical experts emphasize that seniors are more susceptible to contracting STIs or experiencing difficulties in clearing infections. Weakened immune systems and physical factors related to sexual intimacy increase vulnerability to infections. For instance, the vaginal lining of postmenopausal women becomes more susceptible to tearing, making infection easier.
To combat the rising rates of STIs among older adults, it is crucial for doctors to engage in more open conversations about safe sex with their older patients. As Ethan Morgan, an assistant professor of epidemiology at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, states, “We want them to live their best lives, but we want them to do it safely.” By raising awareness, providing education, and ensuring access to preventative measures, the healthcare community can address this growing concern and promote healthier sexual practices among older adults.