The massive changes that have taken place in Irish society over the past few decades have given people the power to choose the lifestyle they want. We now have the freedom to meet new people and forge new relationships, without worrying about oppressive taboos surrounding sexuality and morality.

Our lives are longer, richer and more satisfying – and sex is part of that. Advances in medicine and healthcare have meant that sex can continue to be part of our lives for virtually as long as we want, which is welcome news. However, on the flip-side, research has found that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in the over-50s age group.

Rise in STIs
A recent study by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre found a rise in cases of STIs all across Ireland, regardless of age or gender, with a massive 20 per cent rise in the west alone since 2004. In 2006, it reported that 6.7 per cent of all STIs in Ireland were in the over-40s age group.

Another study, conducted by the European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections, focused on the rates of STIs in Ireland from 1998 to 2006. It found that incidences of STIs in the over-40s age group had risen steadily during this time.

For example, while there were no reports of anyone in the over-45s age group contracting syphilis in 1998, three years later that figure had jumped to 28. Likewise, in 1998 there were just seven reported cases of gonorrhoea; by 2006 that figure had risen to a massive 48. The biggest increase of all was in reported cases of chlamydia, which soared from three to 101 cases over a seven-year period.

These figures are based on reported cases so the true number could be even higher. The survey concluded that “sexually transmitted infections are a major public health concern” in Europe. These figures are by no means limited to Ireland.

In the UK, a study by the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections found that the rate of STIs in older people (classified as anyone over 45) “more than doubled in 2003 compared with 1996”. Similarly in the US, research by the National Institutes of Health concluded that “the over-50s age group is now the fastest growing demographic of those contracting STIs”.

So what are the reasons for this jump in STIs in the over-50s?

Single again
Being single again, whether through divorce or bereavement, means that you may think about re-entering the world of dating. Once sex enters the equation there is a risk of contracting an infection, so it’s essential to ask about your partner’s sexual history.

It might sound like common sense but, according to the BBC, a 2008 survey showed that one in 10 people over 50 admitted to having unprotected sex with a new partner without knowing their sexual history.

Today, people can be sexually active for longer thanks to medications such as Viagra. However, not all people are in monogamous relationships.

Ignorance
Although changing today, Ireland’s attitude towards sex has not traditionally been carefree. The influence of the Catholic Church and firm beliefs regarding sexual conduct meant that people – especially those in older generations – were provided with limited information on sexual health and sexual identity.

Although such information is widely available today, it is often aimed at teenagers and young adults, which can isolate older people. Flashy graphics and slogans may be designed to grab younger people’s attention, but remember that your body is just as vulnerable to infection.

Condoms – still necessary?
The risk of pregnancy might no longer be a concern, but that doesn’t mean condoms have to go out the window. Condoms protect against STIs such as HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, hepatitis and gonorrhoea. It is also worth remembering that some STIs, such as syphilis, herpes and genital warts, can be passed on to a partner even if a condom is used, so knowing your partner’s sexual history is essential.

STIs should never be dismissed as concerns of the young; in fact, you may become more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections as you get older. A responsible and realistic attitude is necessary in a sexual relationship, whatever your age. While a little mystery might be appealing in a new partner, try to make sure it isn’t hanging over their sexual history.