Record numbers of over-65s are getting sexually transmitted infections as cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are on the rise
- Some 14 per cent more old people in England caught STIs in 2017 than in 2016
- The number of syphilis cases tripled within a year, with gonorrhoea doubling
- Experts say better health and erection drugs keep people active for longer
The number of old people being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections is at an all-time high, figures have revealed.
Over-65s in England were diagnosed with 14 per cent more STIs in 2017 than in 2016.
Even people over the age of 90 are being treated for the illnesses, with dating apps, better health and drugs such as Viagra keeping them sexually active for longer.
Figures from Public Health England showed the number of over-65s who caught common STIs rose from 1,411 in 2016 to 1,608 in 2017.
The number of over-65s diagnosed with syphilis (pictured: a 3D illustration of syphilis bacteria) is on the rise as the number of overall STI cases in that age group has reached a record high
Syphillis, one of the less common infections, was three times as common among over-65s last year as in the year before, the Express reported.
Meanwhile the number of people in the same age group contracting gonorrhoea more than doubled and chlamydia cases increased by 49 per cent.
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Other infections included in the figures were genital herpes, which increased by 36 per cent, and genital warts.
‘While the majority of the patients we see in clinic are younger, it’s not uncommon to see people in their 60s or 70s,’ Dr Mark Lawton, a sexual health consultant and member of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, told the Express.
ENGLISHMAN CURED OF DRUG-RESISTANT GONORRHOEA
An Englishman who caught the ‘world’s worst’ case of super-gonorrhoea was cured in April 2018 with a last-ditch antibiotic.
In the first recorded case worldwide, the unidentified man caught a version of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was resistant to two crucial drugs.
Health officials revealed he caught it from a one-night stand with a woman during his travels to south east Asia earlier this year – despite having a girlfriend in the UK.
Public Health England (PHE) issued a warning over the the STI, which is resistant to ceftriaxone and azithromycin – the two drugs recommended for gonorrhoea.
But the Government agency revealed the man was cured with the antibiotic ertapenem and said he had not spread it in the UK.
World Health Organization (WHO) experts raised fears two years ago the STI, once known as the ‘clap’, could become immune to antibiotics in a ‘matter of years’.
‘In fact, the oldest patient I’ve seen was 91 and he was still enjoying a healthy sex life.
‘It’s important to remember that age doesn’t make you immune to STIs so using condoms and getting tested are still important.’
The figures come after an expert warned in October that more people are getting STIs because of a rise in the use of online dating apps.
Apps such as Tinder and Grindr are accused of making it easier for people to have casual sex and switch quickly between partners.
Dr Olwen Williams, president of the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, said figures showed a ‘genuine rise’ in STIs – rather than just more people getting tested.
He told the BBC: ‘The frequency of app hook-ups and dating apps used as a sort of medium to access sexual activity seems to have increased significantly.
‘What we can say about sexual mixing and sexual networking is that things have changed considerably.
‘Certainly in my career I’ve never seen so much gonorrhoea or syphilis in my area, ever.’
Being able to switch sexual partners quickly and meet strangers on the internet means people are more likely to spread infections before they get diagnosed, expert said.
And it can also make it more difficult to get in touch with past partners to warn them when people get diagnosed.
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