Sex After 50—Sexuality As We Age
Sex can be part of life well into our later years. While we may face health challenges as we age, we can still continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life.
In contrast to the encouraging news from the most recent report on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates in the U.S., a report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows a striking rise in STIs across the Atlantic.
The new data, which covers reported cases of STIs in 2023 across 29 countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), shows:
As in the U.S., public health officials in Europe are particularly concerned about congenital syphilis—when the infection passes to infants during pregnancy. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, and infants born with syphilis can have lifelong health issues. But timely testing and treatment can prevent this.
The EU/EEA saw syphilis cases in newborns increase slightly, from 73 in 2022 to 78 in 2023. In the U.S., 3,800 cases were reported in 2023, the highest number reported in one year since 1994, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Syphilis testing is a critical part of prenatal care. Experts believe testing and treatment of pregnant individuals would prevent nearly 90% of congenital syphilis cases.
Data like this don’t reveal why STIs are increasing, but public health authorities around the globe point to a combination of factors. These include increased testing with more sophisticated technologies, fewer young people consistently using condoms, and the erosion of public health resources that support STI control programs. Less discussed, but still important, is the tremendous impact of shame and stigma on accessing sexual health care.
Sex can be part of life well into our later years. While we may face health challenges as we age, we can still continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life.
ASHA was founded in 1914. This timeline traces our history over our first 100 years.
Despite negative stereotypes, as well as some actual difficulties women can face during this time, many women report that once they’ve reached menopause they feel more confidant, stronger, and energized than they did before.
While most adults know the most common STIs, there’s still confusion about lesser-known infections, vaccines to prevent STIs, and whether sitting on a toilet seat is risky (it’s not).
From Pride Month to National Kissing Day, there’s a lot to celebrate in June.
Is mpox passed on without symptoms? In a new study of more than 8,000 men, about 1% of the men tested positive despite never having had symptoms.
New data shows that cases of bacterial STIs have dropped dramatically in San Francisco. Public health officials in the city believe doxy PEP has helped drive these declines.
A new report shows that fewer women are getting prenatal care. That means too many patients are missing the chance to prevent congenital syphilis.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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