The surprising rise of STIs in the over 50s

STIs are often thought of as a young person’s issue, but Australian data shows chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are rising among people over 50. Rates are still highest in younger people, but the burden in older adults is growing, and it’s worth talking about.

STIs in the over 50s

Globally, STI rates are climbing in older adults, with US data showing chlamydia and gonorrhoea among people over 55 more than doubled between 2012 and 2022. Australian data shows similar trends, and one study of STI trends from 2000 to 2018 found cases among women aged 55 to 74 rose at a sharper rate than among young women.

Why are STIs rising in the over 50s?

New relationships later in life

Many older adults are dating again after divorce, separation or the end of a long partnership — in Australia the median age at divorce is around 47 for men and 44 for women. With online dating and longer, healthier lives, there are far more opportunities for new partners later in life than there were for previous generations.

Knowledge gaps

People in this age group didn’t always receive the safer-sex education younger generations did, which can leave them at higher risk when starting new relationships.

Communication barriers

Talking about sex, STIs and prevention wasn’t the norm for many while growing up, so these conversations, with partners or a doctor, can end up in the “too hard” basket.

Campaigns aimed at the young

Most safer-sex messaging targets younger people, so many over 50s don’t see themselves as at risk or miss out on current information about prevention and testing.

Pregnancy is no longer a concern

After menopause, condoms often slip from routine because pregnancy isn’t a worry, but condoms remain the most effective protection against most STIs, so this can create a false sense of security.

The rise of PrEP

The wider availability of PrEP (which prevents HIV) has been linked to less condom use, which can increase the spread of other STIs.

Stigma

Sexuality later in life still attracts stigma and misconceptions, and STIs carry their own. Together these can make older adults reluctant to raise sexual health with a partner or a doctor, or to see themselves as someone who needs a test at all — which is exactly how infections slip by unnoticed.

Prevention and regular testing

The good news is that STIs are preventable, treatable and manageable at any age. Sexual health experts and national strategies recommend:

• using condoms or dental dams for vaginal, anal and oral sex, even after menopause or a vasectomy
• talking openly with partners about sexual health, however awkward it feels
• having regular sexual health check-ups, and asking your doctor how often you should test
• getting tested straight away for any unusual symptoms, a new partner, or a condom mishap
• prioritising regular STI testing, since chlamydia and gonorrhoea often cause no symptoms, especially in older women.

Sexual activity and pleasure matter at every age. Being aware of STIs and testing regularly simply lets you enjoy that safely.

Starting the conversation

The hardest part is often just raising it. With a new partner, a light and direct line before sex works well — suggesting you both get a quick check so neither of you has to worry. With your doctor, you don’t need special words: “I’ve got a new partner and I’d like a sexual health check” is enough, and it’s a routine request they hear every day. Telehealth can make it feel less exposing, and a Specialist GP will guide which tests make sense for you and how often to have them.