Older couples are taking more risks with their sexual health. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post
Older couples are taking more risks with their sexual health. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post
KEY POINTS:
The number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among over-40s has more than doubled in less than a decade.
Figures from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) reveal the number of cases leaped from 394 in 1998 to 808 last year. The ESR monitors infections treated atsexual health and Family Planning Association clinics across the country.
Cases of chlamydia, New Zealand's most commonly diagnosed STI, increased from 69 to 170 among the over-40s in that period
Family Planning Association chief executive Jackie Edmond said an information pack aimed at over-30s was developed this year.
"Anecdotally, our impression was that people were struggling and a bit shocked that they had to think about it all again," Edmond explained.
Auckland Sexual Health Service physician Nicky Perkins said STI numbers had increased across all age groups, particularly young people.
More than half of all genital wart, chlamydia and gonorrhoea cases occur in people under 25, according to ESR's 2007 data.
Perkins had not personally noted an increase in older patients, but said the service saw a wide range of ages, including some in their 70s.
Psychologist Sara Chatwin supported the findings of a British study which said more risk-taking among the older age group could be a factor, with large numbers of over-40s engaging in internet dating.
"If there are any conclusions to draw, it's for these people to be prudent about where they are meeting people and how."
