STD rates in the over-50 crowd are increasing

A recent report in the journal MEDSURG Nursing reports that people who are 50 and older are becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, herpes, syphilis, human papillomavirus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at an increasing rate.

Moreover, there appears to be barriers in promoting education, testing and treatment in this age group.

"Unfortunately, the common misconception still persists that people over 50 are no longer sexually active," wrote co-authors Lisa Jeffers and Mary DiBartolo, quoted in Infection Control Today. "As a result, healthcare providers often do not discuss risky sexual behaviors and STD prevention with middle-aged and older adults."

This may be a bigger problem than it seems at first glance, since late treatment of STDs can lead to much more serious complications, and possibly even death.

Authors of the study said that one reason behind an increase in STDs among this age group could be the availability of drugs for erectile dysfunction and hormonal problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends proper usage of condoms, minimizing the number of sexual partners and getting tested regularly for STDs as ways to practice safer sex.