Rates of STIs among the over 45s on the rise

In less than a decade, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among patients over the age of 45 have doubled, according to new research.

Data collated in the UK indicated that in a period of eight years between 1996 and 2003, the number of people in the over 45s category diagnosed with an STI increased by 127 per cent.

Men between the ages of 55 and 59 were most likely to be infected with an STI than any other demographic group, the figures revealed.

According to the findings, the most commonly diagnosed infection among patients over 45 was genital warts, accounting for almost half of all cases.

The authors of the report stated: "Indeed, it may be argued that older people are more susceptible [to sexually transmitted infections] as they are less likely to use condoms than younger people."

As sexual health initiatives are often focused on young people, the older age bracket tends to be ignored, leaving many older people at risk of infection.