Increase in STIs Among Older Adults Worries Experts

Published: 28 March 2024 at 00:14

Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among people aged 55 and older in the U.S. more than doubled from 2012 to 2022. Syphilis cases in this age group increased seven-fold, gonorrhea cases nearly five-fold, and chlamydia cases more than tripled. Experts note a lack of awareness and education about STI risks among older adults. Similar trends are seen in England, where STI diagnoses rose 22% from 2014 to 2019 among those aged 45 and above. Factors contributing to the rise include longer life expectancy, active lifestyles, and increased sexual activity in older age groups.

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