Sexually transmitted infections among over-65s ‘up 41 per cent’

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED infections in pensioners have increased by more than 40 per cent in the past four years, according to an investigation.

Figures obtained by the BBC Inside Out West found more people over the age of 65 are being diagnosed with the five main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – these are syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes and genital warts.

The BBC examined figures showing diagnoses of STIs in over-65s from between 2014 and 2018 – the latest period for which figures are available.

In 2014, a total of 1,312 people in that age group in England were diagnosed with an STI, but this jumped to 1,845 in 2018 – an increase of 41 per cent. Figures relating to the over-45s age group also show a similar increase in STI diagnoses, the BBC said.

One person from Bristol, who wanted to be known only as Ashley, waited for about two years before being diagnosed with HIV.

“I didn’t mind being HIV positive but it’s just that delay in finding it – I’m a little bit bitter about that,” the 59-year-old said.

“Over-50s, people who have come out of divorce or marriage, think they’re safe – but they’re not safe.

“They’re mucking about and finding new partners. They think that because nobody can get pregnant anymore there’s no danger – because those illnesses are for young people. But they’re not, they’re for everybody.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care urged people of all ages to practise safe sex.

“More people than ever are now able to access sexual health services which is vital for improving the detection and treatment of STIs,” she said.

“We strongly urge people of all ages to practise safe sex by using condoms and to take advantage of their free, local sexual health services if they consider themselves to be at risk.”

■ BBC Inside Out West will be available on iPlayer from tomorrow.