The good news? There's been a slight decrease in the number of STIs diagnosed over the past year, according to recent figures from Public Health England. And the bad news? There's been a big rise in diagnoses among the over-45s. There was an overall increase of seven per cent among the 45 to 64 age group - and a rise of more than eight per cent among the over-65s. These STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and genital warts.
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The increase in diagnoses may partly be due to raised awareness and better testing programmes. 'But there's still been an undeniable growth of STIs among older age groups,' says Harry Walker, policy and parliamentary manager for the Family Planning Association. 'Some of these people will be from the "baby boom" generation who grew up in the 1960s when the contraceptive pill was introduced and may have never or rarely used condoms. And with sexual health messaging often targeted at young people, men and women who come out of long-term relationships might find themselves with very little information and knowledge about STIs.'
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Been inspired to broaden your horizons by EL James's erotic trilogy? Good for you. A word to the wise, though: don't forget to play safe. 'When it comes to forgetting about safe sex, we always think of the vulnerability of young people,' says Dr Charlotte Jones, chairwoman of the British Medical Association's GP Committee. 'But there's the Fifty Shades of Grey effect where older people are being more explorative, but not necessarily remembering to use a condom. Anyone, of any age, going into new relationships should be thinking about safe sex and particularly the role of condoms. People need to take care.'
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Remember, STIs can be passed on during vaginal, anal or oral sex - so it's always wise to use a condom. Never used one before? It's not unusual - particularly among those of us who have relied on other forms of contraception for birth control in a long-term relationship. You can find out about male and female condoms and how to use them correctly here. It's also a good idea to cover your genitals with a dam - a soft plastic square - during oral sex. These are available from sexual health clinics. And don't forget to keep sex toys clean. Wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water or specialist cleaner between uses.
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Chlamydia is currently the most common STI, making up 47 per cent of all diagnoses, according to Public Health England. Symptoms may include pain when peeing, vaginal or rectal discharge and bleeding between periods or after sex. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body and may eventually lead to serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. However, around half of men and 70 to 80 per cent of women with chlamydia are symptom-free. So you may not know you've got it unless you go for testing at your GP's surgery or sexual health clinic. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics.
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There's been a rapid rise in the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses over the past year - with a total of 29,291 cases recorded in 2013. It's transmitted during sex by bacteria found in the semen and vaginal fluid of infected men and women. Symptoms may include a thick green or yellow discharge from the genital area, pain when peeing, or bleeding between periods. But almost half of infected women don't experience any symptoms. The condition is easily diagnosed via swab-testing and can be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can lead to serious problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
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Genital herpes is a common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms can take a while to appear, but include painful red blisters and sores around the genital area, vaginal discharge and pain when peeing. Around eight out of 10 people with the virus are unaware they have been infected. The symptoms can usually be controlled using antiviral medicines. However, herpes is a chronic condition that remains in the body and may become active again after treatment.
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Genital warts are the second most common STI after chlamydia, according to Public Health England. They're the result of a viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and may appear individually or in clusters. These warts are usually painless but can obviously be pretty unsightly, which obviously causes psychological distress. Treatment is usually with a prescription-only cream or lotion. Alternatively, they can be removed by cryotherapy, electrosurgery or laser surgery.
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Compared to other STIs, syphilis is relatively rare - but rates have risen sharply in the UK over the past decade. Homosexual males are disproportionately affected. The condition develops in three stages - starting with a painless but infectious sore on the genitals, followed by secondary symptoms such as a skin rash and sore throat. Left untreated, it may lead to serious conditions, such as stroke, paralysis or blindness. But if diagnosed early, it can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics.
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Think there's a chance you may have picked up a STI? 'I would always advise anyone who's got any symptoms to get them checked out, whether at a genitourinary (GUM) clinic, where they can be anonymous, or with their GP,' says Dr Charlotte Jones. 'Do not be embarrassed. We have seen it all before. It can't come as a surprise to us.' Oh, and one final word: the purpose of this feature isn't to put you off having lots of sex. It's simply to remind you to play safe while you're about it. So off you go and enjoy yourself...
Find your nearest sexual health or GUM clinic at www.nhs.uk.
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Posted by 11320Carol Muskoron