Older people and Infections

Men and women continue to experience all manner of infections throughout their lives which have an impact on their sexual health. Some of these are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and some are not (Non STIs).

Society at large tends to make the assumption that sexuality and associated sexual health is the prerogative of the young. Apart from being mistaken, this presumption may also be misleading.

Sexually Transmitted Infections do not distinguish between the 18 year old and the 80 year old - the same risks apply in undertaking similar sexual activities across the entire age range. All of the potential dangers discussed in the other sections of this site apply to older people as well as to younger people, and this should always be borne in mind. When undertaking any sexual activity you should consider if it is a situation where Safer sex practices should be used.