Private MD News

Health officials report growing STD rates among seniors

Category: Chlamydia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the vast majority of positive STD tests are given to individuals under the age of 25. However, this does not mean that older people do not have to worry about practicing safe sex. Public health officials in many parts of the country are reporting escalating infection rates among seniors.

For example, the number of new syphilis and Chlamydia cases among Florida residents over age 55 increased by 43 percent between 2005 and 2009, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The increase was even sharper in certain rural areas of the state.

"These seniors may lose a spouse, then get lonely," Dr. Jason Salagubang, a geriatrician at Florida Hospital Apopka, told the news source. "They're living in retirement communities with others in the same boat, and sparks fly."

He added that seniors today grew up in the "make-love-not-war" era and that they may be used to participating in casual sex.

However, if this sex is unprotected, seniors may benefit from seeking STD testing. This may help them avoid a potentially serious infection.