Could You Catch An STI This Christmas?

Being clued up on sexually transmitted infections at this time of year is key

- Dr Philippa Kaye

It’s party season! Finally. Last year’s Christmas period was essentially cancelled, and we have spent nearly two years now with various levels of lockdown. At its most restrictive, when mixing between households was not allowed, many people’s sex lives became solo. But more social mixing and the upcoming festivities will further encourage interactions, so it’s all the more important that you practice safe sex!

Many people assume that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) only affect young people. They don’t – they can affect anyone of any age. And while the rates of STIs rose by 5% between 2017 and 2018, the highest rate of rise in infections of chlamydia and gonorrhoea were seen in the over 65s.

Why? Well, research shows that 65% of adults over the age of 55 don’t use contraception. On top of this, later life divorce may lead to casual dating, and there’s an ease of meeting new partners through dating apps nowadays. Plus, there’s also a lack of education about STIs in older age groups.

Once the need for contraception to prevent pregnancy ends, it may be that women don’t consider other risks. Yes, you may not be able to conceive but, unfortunately, you’re still able to both transmit and catch chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, herpes, HIV and more.

One problem is that there’s still a stigma around sex in older people, and embarrassment about attending a sexual health clinic. But you don’t need to worry about embarrassing your healthcare provider, whether or not you have groomed your pubic hair or have a discharge or an odour – your nurse or doctor has most probably seen or heard of it before. So please don’t get sick due to embarrassment.