Gerontology expert warns that older people can contract STDs, too

Much of the news pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) involves young adults and even teens who engage in unprotected intercourse without knowing the health risks associated with their actions. While some people may think that older adults would be more careful when it comes to their sexual behavior, recent research has indicated that this age demographic may actually be less responsible when it comes to using protection and seeking regular STD screening.

Mario Garrett, Ph.D., a professor of gerontology, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that older Americans represent a substantial portion of the new STD diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths each year in the U.S.

He said that access to potential new partners via dating websites and the prevalence of medications that help enhance sexual performance have led to more seniors engaging in intercourse.

This can create a problem because older women may actually be at higher risk for contacting STDs due age-related vaginal dryness, which has been known to increase the risk of tears in the genital tissue during sex. This can facilitate the transfer or some STDs, the expert told the news provider.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every four HIV-positive Americans is an older adult.