Older Americans sometimes lose sight of the dangers posed by Sexually Transmitted diseases, or Stds. Whether they think old age has conferred some sort of immunity on them or they simply don’t care, the facts indicate that more and more senior citizens are coming down with STDs.

In a recent article posted at HuffingtonPost.com, elder care expert Derrick Y. McDaniel offers some sobering statistics about the magnitude of the STD problem among seniors. McDaniel, author of “Eldercare, The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Love One and Yourself,” points out the chlamydia infections in those 65 and older increased 31 percent in the four-year period between 2007 and 2011. During that same period, the incidence of syphilis among those in the same age group rose by 52 percent.

HIV Spreads Among Seniors

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, one of the most serious of all STDs, is also spreading rapidly among older Americans, says McDaniel, who notes that those 50 and over accounted for 27 percent of all U.S. diagnoses of HIV in 2013.

If you’re wondering what’s behind this alarming upsurge in STDs among the elderly, McDaniel points to the sharp increase in unprotected sex between seniors. Older men whose sex lives might otherwise have been sidelined by erectile dysfunction are now able to pop a pill that allows them to get and keep an erection, and postmenopausal Women, no longer worried about getting pregnant, provide willing partners.

McDaniel says that “what goes on in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other large residential congregations of elderly people is a lot closer to what goes on in spring break hotels than most people would ever imagine.” So alarming is the spread of STDs among seniors that elder care professionals are now more frequently and openly discussing the problem and what to do about it.

Elders and Condom Use

Among those who look upon condom use primarily, if not exclusively, as a means of birth control, it probably comes as little surprise that condom use is extremely low among seniors. According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, those over 61 rarely use condoms for Vaginal intercourse. Asked the percentage of the past 10 vaginal intercourse acts that included condom use, the response among men 61 and over was 5.1 percent, compared with 7.4 percent among women in the same age group.

The true breadth of the STD problem among the elderly is difficult to measure accurately because many of these diseases or infections have few distinctive Symptoms. As a result, many of those infected may fail to see a doctor about these STDs. And although Medicare covers STD testing, few seniors see themselves as likely victims of these diseases and thus fail to take advantage of these free tests.

Seniors More Vulnerable

While unprotected sex is the primary reason for the rapid spread of STDs among senior citizens, older people also are more vulnerable to these diseases than the young because of certain aging-related health conditions. As people age, their immune systems weaken, opening them to a greater threat of infection. Women who have gone through menopause typically experience vaginal dryness and thinner vaginal linings. The friction of intercourse can damage vaginal linings, making older women more vulnerable to infection with STDs.

In an interview on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America, Eli Coleman, director of the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School, said he sees a number of factors involved in the upsurge of STDs among seniors. Greater longevity, improved overall health, and a sharply higher divorce rate means that most older people have more sexual partners than was the case in the past. “People are making midlife changes and going back into dating and maybe never have used condoms when they started out many years ago.”

What Causes STDs?

STDs can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. While some have distinctive symptoms, others have few, if any, outward signs. What follows is a partial list of these diseases and their symptoms, if any.

Chancroid: Although it’s not yet widespread in the United States, this condition might be picked up through sexual contact or skin contact on travels outside this country. Its primary target is men, and its symptoms include sores and/or painful ulcers on the penis or elsewhere in the male genitalia. It is easily cured with antibiotics.

Chlamydia: One of the most common STDs in this country, chlamydia mainly affects women and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Although chlamydia can sometimes cause vaginal discharge or discomfort when urinating, it is often asymptomatic. Sexually active individuals of all ages should be checked periodically for this and other STDs.

Gonorrhea: Although it targets both men and women, its symptoms are more often seen in men. Such symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, abnormal penile discharge, or pain in the testicles. It is curable with antibiotics.

Hepatitis B and C: Both these forms of the viral liver infection can be spread through unprotected sex and can cause life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Early symptoms may include dark urine, fever, general malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Although vaccines can protect against hepatitis infections, both hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic hepatitis and lead eventually to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Herpes: This viral infection is one of the most common STDs. Often asymptomatic, herpes usually manifests itself in one of two forms: oral or genital. Oral herpes symptoms may include cold sores or blisters on the lips or inside the mouth. Genital herpes sometimes causes blisters, itching, and/or sores in the genital area. Although these is no cure, there are medications that can minimize herpes outbreaks and symptoms.

HIV/AIDS: The most serious STD of all, the human immunodeficiency virus can be spread through blood, breast milk, rectal and vaginal fluids, and semen. Although a diagnosis of HIV infection was once little short of a death sentence, many of those infected with the virus today take powerful medications that allow them to stave off opportunistic infections that might otherwise be fatal. There is, however, no cure.

Human Papillomavirus: Infection with HPV, which is actually a family of viruses, can lead to warts, genital warts, and cancer. HPV vaccines can protect against many of the viruses in this family.

Nongonococcal Urethritis: This sexually transmitted infection of the urethra can be caused by one of several bacteria, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma, or Trichomonas. It targets men, producing such symptoms as burning during urination and a milky discharge from the penis.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A very serious infection, PID usually develops as a complication of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea and targets women. Often asymptomatic in its early stages, PID in its later stages can produce such symptoms as abnormal periods, nausea, pain in the vaginal area, vaginal discharge, and vomiting.

Syphilis: A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, syphilis is spread primarily through sexual contact. Its early symptoms may include small sores, cuts, or bumps on the genitals or mouth. These may be followed by a rash on the feet, palms of the hand, or other parts of the body.

Trichomoniasis: More than 8 million Americans are diagnosed each year with this parasitic infection. Infected males often have no symptoms at all, while women may experience a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful urination. Left untreated, this infection can lead to premature delivery among pregnant women.

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