You're never too old to get an STI! Experts call for over-50s to be taught ... trends now

You're never too old to get an STI! Experts call for over-50s to be taught ... trends now

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Over-50s should be taught safe sex to combat soaring STIs with rates doubling in the last decade, research suggests.

Rising divorce rates, the emergence of Viagra, dating apps and the growth of retirement villages have combined to mean 'sexual risk taking is now common among older adults'.

Rates of disease including gonorrhoea and syphilis have surged by almost a fifth in just four years among UK 'baby boomers'.

Researchers found that, in England, 31,902 new STIs were recorded in the over 45s in 2015, which rose to 37,692 in 2019 - an increase of 18 per cent

Researchers found that, in England, 31,902 new STIs were recorded in the over 45s in 2015, which rose to 37,692 in 2019 - an increase of 18 per cent

Experts said this is likely an underestimate with embarrassment and lack of access to sexual health services meaning many will not seek help.

Sex must become 'normalised' and part of routine healthcare for older generations, they say, rather than simply focusing on the young.

Professor Justyna Kowalska, of the Medical University of Warsaw, said: 'People do not become asexual with age.

'In fact, with preventive medicine and improved lifestyles people are enjoying a healthy life and sex life for longer.

'Older people often find greater satisfaction in their sex

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