Older generations may not be aware of their STD risk

Some people think that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) only affect young people who are naive about safe sex practices.

The notion may not be completely unwarranted, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 account for more than half of the more than 19 million new STD cases that are reported each year in the U.S.

However, health experts are increasingly warning that these infections can be contracted at any point in life.

A recent article published by the Daily Mail highlighted this issue, citing a lack of prevention efforts geared toward the older demographic as one reason why a growing number of people in their 40s and 50s are diagnosed with STDs.

The newspaper explained that STD awareness campaigns that feature cartoons or slang-like language do not appeal to older individuals, so they "miss the safe sex message."

The CDC states that regular STD testing among sexually active individuals is one of the best ways to slow the spread of the infections.