It may not be the most comfortable or popular topic of conversation for some, especially the younger generations. We still, as a society in general, sweep sex and sexual discussion under the rug. Regardless, we need to acknowledge that people who are 45 or older are still having sex, and studies have shown people between 45 and 65 are more sexually active than ever before, or at least are talking about it more than ever before.

This is fantastic news for this age group! We have talked many times on this blog about the health benefits, both mental, physical, and emotional, that comes along with sex. Adult stores, lingerie stores and the business of adult toys is seeing an older demographic as well, as people over 45 are becoming more open about sex. There is, however, one major drawback of this mini sexual revolution. Sexually transmitted disease is on the rise.

There are a few contributing factors in this spike in STI’s in the 45 and up crowd. The main, and most obvious one being lack of the use of condoms and dental dams. There are several reasons for this lack of protection in this age group. First and foremost is the lack of need for contraception to prevent pregnancy. In the 45 and up group, most women are menopausal or perimenopausal. Preventing pregnancy is not a priority, and so the use of condoms is not a priority. Low use of condoms certainly raises the risk of STI in any age group.

Another factor is monogamy. Most people in this age group are either monogamous or just entering the dating pool after a monogamous relationship. People in a monogamous relationship are less likely to use condoms, and this habit can spill over into the encounters people have after they leave that relationship. Also, because they have been in one or a series of monogamous relationships, risk of STI is simply not on their radar. It does not occur to people in this age group they are putting themselves at risk. This lowers the probability that they will use protection such as condoms, and makes them less likely to consider screenings for STI after changing partners.

Stigma is also a large factor in not getting screenings or medical attention once people have been exposed. In our society, people over 45 tend to be seen as asexual. Sex seems to stop being acceptable once we get older. This brings a modicum of shame to sex and sexually transmitted infections after middle age. This seems odd since we discussed prior, the increase of customers adult stores are seeing from this demographic. Over 45s are still having sex, a lot of sex, but aren’t as open with their peer groups or others about the subject. Opening this conversation up can eliminate some of the stigma of sex in middle age.

Sex is wonderful, even past middle age. Taking precautions with your health is just as important in this age group as it is in any other stage of your sexual life. Taking your sexual life and health into your hands can help you enjoy a happy and healthy sexual life well into your golden years. Use protection, get tested, and enjoy yourself, as long as you are willing and able.

CNN

Harvard

Medical Express