Sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the 55+ community are on the rise in Arizona!
Let's Be Real!
You are approaching or have arrived at that retirement milestone. The kids are out of the house; you are not worried about making new ones; you may have gotten out of the relationship held together by family responsibilities; you are free to love and be loved. That seems all fun and games until you contracted an STI that left you burning, not the burning you have for your partner/fling/friend-with-benefits.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, STIs that you can catch are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV, to name a few. Even if you do not have symptoms, you can still carry the infection and give it to someone special (AZHS, 2024).
Why Does It Matter?
Why are we talking about sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the 55 and older population in Arizona when the overall cases of STIs in this population account for less than 1% of all Arizona’s cases reported in 2022 (ADHS, 2024)?
- According to a CDC report in 2023, the number of STI cases is on the rise among the 55 and older population in the US, more than tripled since 2012. Smith et al. (2020) found that a lack of knowledge about STIs and protection is a contributing factor. Increasing the divorce rate in older adults and improving options for medical treatments for sexual dysfunction increases the opportunities for older adults to have sexual encounters (Smith et al., 2020).
- Arizona has an above-national average infection rate (CDC, 2024a). The 55 and older population is growing in Arizona.
- Sexual health and satisfaction are linked to the physical and mental health of old adults (Penhollow, 2024). Studies showed that up to 75% of people aged 55 and older are reported to be sexually active (Penhollow, 2024). The higher the frequency, the lower the presence of chronic health problems. The link between prioritizing physical health and sexual satisfaction is apparent. Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation can increase the incidence of sexual dysfunction (Tuddenham et al., 2022) and perpetuate the cycle of deteriorating mental and physical health caused by the lack of sexual satisfaction.
- Any untreated infection can trigger catastrophic deterioration of the body. Older adults are more sensitive to body system imbalances. The medical cost related to STI complications in this population has not yet been reported. Because most healthcare providers do not routinely assess older adults’ sexual health history, only about one-fifth of this population initiates the conversation about their sexual health (Penhollow, 2024).
Call to Action
We want to bring awareness to this impending public health issue by destigmatizing sexuality in older adults and starting the conversation about safe sex with their PCPs. It is time to man up or flex your girl power in stopping the rise of STIs in the 55+ community—talk, test, and treat (CDC, 2024b). Wear your protection proudly. You put up with a lot to get to this milestone. Do not let syphilis blow your mind!
Stay informed with this blog. You can keep STI in the 55+ community under wraps in Arizona!
References:
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) (2024). Sexually transmitted infections, 2022 annual report. https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/disease-integrated-services/std-control/reports/2022-std-annual-report.pdf
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2024a). Gonorrhea/2000-2023/55+/US. [Data set]. https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/nchhstpatlas/charts.html
Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2024b, March 11). Talk, test, treat. https://www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/talktesttreat/index.html
Penhollow, T. M. (2024). Sexuality in older adults: Comprehensive strategies for clinicians and patient-centered care. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. https://doi.org10.1177/15598276241293100
Smith, M. L., Bergeron, C. D., Goltz, H. H., Coffey, T., & Boolani, A. (2020). Sexually transmitted infection knowledge among older adults: Psychometrics and test-retest reliability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020, 17(7), 2462. https://doi.org10.3390/ijerph17072462
Tuddenham, S., Hamill, M. M., & Ghanem, K. G. (2022). Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections: A review. Journal of American Medical Association, 327(2),161–172. https://doi.org10.1001/jama.2021.23487
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Comments
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adults over 50 have become a growing concern, yet this demographic often remains underrepresented in research and public health discussions. As individuals in this age group become more sexually active, whether due to divorce, the loss of a partner, or newfound relationships, the risk of STIs rises significantly (Ladipo, 2017). Factors such as diminished awareness regarding safe sex practices, physical changes that can affect sexual health, and a lack of regular screenings contribute to this heightened vulnerability (Ladipo, 2017). Moreover, societal stigma may prevent older adults from seeking information or treatment, further complicating the issue. As a result, it's crucial to raise awareness and foster open conversations about sexual health for this age group to ensure they receive the necessary resources and care (Ladipo, 2017). This topic is interesting, and I look forward to reading more about it on your blog.
Ladipo, Z. (2017). Are patients aged over 50 years being let down by sexual health clinics? Audit of sexual history taking in patients aged over 50 years in an integrated sexual health clinic in North West England. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 93(8), 550–550. https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2017-053121
Thank you for raising such and important topic! Despite the popular notion that sex falls to the wayside as we age, there is growing research that shows sexual activity is important to quality of life in older adults. One challenge we face in healthcare is ensuring these needs get met within the care sector. Care facilities may recognize there is a need, but may not be equiped to manage it. Often, this topic is still taboo within the care community. By continuing to have these conversations, we can normalize the need for sexual health in our older population and start to address it within the healthcare community. Kudos!
Co, M., Moreno-Agostino, D., Wu, Y. T., Couch, E., Posarac, A., Wi, T., Sadana, R., Carlisle, S., & Prina, M. (2023). Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adults: A systematic review. PloS one, 18(5), e0284324. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284324
Hello Claudia,
I agree that this is an interesting topic. It's common for people to react with surprise, disbelief, or discomfort when topics like sex, older people, and the risk of STIs or HIV are discussed together. This may stem from the belief that older individuals don't have sex or sexual desires and therefore can't be at risk for such infections. However, research shows that age doesn't lessen the need or desire for sex, something older people have long known but rarely discussed. (Minichello et. al., 2021)
Primary care providers have to take the lead in asking their older patients about their sexual practices and if they use protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the five P’s approach to taking a sexual history by a provider: ask about partners, practices, protection from STIs, history of STIs, and pregnancy intention.
the CDC also ask to advocate and promote the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations for STI screening through interested older-adult advocates, specifically targeting chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV and syphilis, for the older-adult population who are not regularly screened. (CDC).
The rising rates can be reduced with more sexual health resources specifically for the senior population.
References
Minichiello, V., Rahman, S., Hawkes, G., & Pitts, M. (2012). STI epidemiology in the global older population: emerging challenges. Perspectives in public health, 132(4), 178-181.
https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/nchhstpatlas/charts.html