Forty-somethings back on the dating scene following a divorce are being targeted in a new campaign after figures showed a rise in sexually transmitted diseases among the over-40s.
The Centre in Exeter, which is managed by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, is urging people in the age group to be careful and get themselves checked.
Data from the Health Protection Agency shows that the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise among those aged 45 to 64, while HIV diagnoses have doubled in the over-50s over the past decade. April Brooks, senior nurse at the Centre, said some of these trends were evident locally and could be attributed to higher levels of unprotected sex and changes in lifestyle and attitudes.
“The average age for men and women to get divorced in England and Wales is in their early 40s,” she said.
“Therefore many individuals in their 40s are now dating again.
“The Royal Pharmaceutical Society found that almost 20 per cent of people aged 45 to 54 had unprotected sex in the last year with someone other than a long-term partner.
“Whatever their circumstances, people in this age group may not have had to think about contraception or sexual health for many years.
“Safer sex messages aimed at young people may make them feel that these warnings are not relevant to them, but STIs are making a comeback in this generation and we all need to be vigilant.”
The campaign is launched ahead of Sexual Health Week, which runs from September 15-21.
Ms Brooks said that unintended pregnancies among women aged over 40 could be avoided with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives.
She said a series of awareness campaigns had seen a drop in the number of abortions among teenagers in the last decade, but women over 40 should remember the same message.
“Because of targeted awareness of these contraceptives, terminations in the under-18s have dropped significantly in the last decade.
“However, many women entering the period prior to the menopause in their 40s often feel that their risk of pregnancy is low, or that they cannot use certain methods of contraception due to their age or other health factors. This is not always true.
“Clinical Effectiveness Unit data from 2010 showed that women in their 40s do experience unintended pregnancies and some opt for abortion.
“It is important that women are aware that this is avoidable and that there are a wide range of contraceptive methods available.”
The Centre, in Sidwell Street, is holding an open afternoon on Saturday September 20 for men and women aged 40 or over.
Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s improving health and wellbeing portfolio holder, explained: “Sexual ill-health can affect people of all ages.
“Sexuality and the way an individual expresses him or herself may change over time.”
