SEX DISEASES DOUBLE IN OVER-45s

The Followiing appears on the BBC Newswbsite today. Food for thought:

"Sexually-transmitted infections have doubled in under a decade in people over 45 and are now rising faster than in the young, research suggests. The Health Protection Agency study said internet dating and erectile dysfunction drugs were partly to blame.

Men were most likely to be affected, with increases in herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea and genital warts.

The study, published in Sexually Transmitted Infections, looked at those attending GUM clinics. The vast majority of these were younger people - accounting for more than 95% in 2003. However, the proportion of over-45s rose during the preceding eight years.

In total, 4,445 infections were detected in older people, with genital warts accounting for almost half of these diagnoses. Herpes was the next most common, with one-in-five diagnoses.

Men and women aged 55 to 59 were most likely to have an STI compared, with men more highly represented than women. The overall rate of infections more than doubled over the eight-year period from 16.7 per 100,000 population to 36.3 per 100,0000.

This meant a significantly higher increase for the older compared with younger patients.

Dr Babtunde Olowokure, from the HPA's regional surveillance unit in Birmingham, said: "Sexual health strategies have rightly focused on the under-25s but our results indicate that sexual risk-taking behaviour is not confined to young persons but is also an increasing trend in the over-45s.

"Older people are increasingly likely to be single or undergoing relationship changes and are less likely to consistently use condoms, perhaps because the risk of pregnancy no longer exists.

"Increased international travel, internet dating, new drugs to counter erectile dysfunction and overlapping sexual networks may also be factors."

Julie Bentley, the chief executive of the sexual health charity FPA, said: "We've also noticed a rise in the numbers of over-45s phoning our helpline.

"Tragically, the sexual health of men and women of this age group is largely neglected and its something we are increasingly concerned about.

"Services are geared towards young people, campaigns are targeted at the under 25's so over-45s think that sexual health has nothing to do with them and don't even know when they're taking risks."

Lisa Power, of the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "Sex is not the preserve of the young and gonorrhoea and syphilis are no respecters of age.

"People coming out of long-term relationships may be unaware of the risks of not using a condom.

"Rates of infections are far higher than 10 or 20 years ago, so remember to use condoms and get a check up if you are concerned."

The government said using a condom was "relevant for anyone having unsafe sex...regardless of age".

A Department for Health spokesman said: "Information about safer sex is available to everyone who needs it and our target to offer appointments at GUM clinics within 48 hours by March 2008 has improved access for all."

LATEST: GAY PRIDE 2008

The Pride season is upon us and coming up over the next few weeks are three fantastic events: London Pride (Sat 05 July), Pride In Brighton & Hove (Sat 02 Aug) Soho Pride (Sun 17 Aug).

If you've never been to a Pride event before you should seriously consider breaking that habit in 2008. Yes, Pride is noisy, brash and brazen and it can have all the class of a tart without any knickers trading her wares in the lobby of the Dorchester but it is great fun and an unmissable opportunity to feel a part of the gay community.

Just click on the links to find out about each event. See you there!

The Pride season is upon us and coming up over the next few weeks are three fantastic events: London Pride (Sat 05 July), Pride In Brighton & Hove (Sat 02 Aug) Soho Pride (Sun 17 Aug).

If you've never been to a Pride event before you should seriously consider breaking that habit in 2008. Yes, Pride is noisy, brash and brazen and it can have all the class of a tart without any knickers trading her wares in the lobby of the Dorchester but it is great fun and an unmissable opportunity to feel a part of the gay community.

Just click on the links to find out about each event. See you there!

The Pride season is upon us and coming up over the next few weeks are three fantastic events: London Pride (Sat 05 July), Pride In Brighton & Hove (Sat 02 Aug) Soho Pride (Sun 17 Aug).

If you've never been to a Pride event before you should seriously consider breaking that habit in 2008. Yes, Pride is noisy, brash and brazen and it can have all the class of a tart without any knickers trading her wares in the lobby of the Dorchester but it is great fun and an unmissable opportunity to feel a part of the gay community.

Just click on the links to find out about each event. See you there!

The Pride season is upon us and coming up over the next few weeks are three fantastic events: London Pride (Sat 05 July), Pride In Brighton & Hove (Sat 02 Aug) Soho Pride (Sun 17 Aug).

If you've never been to a Pride event before you should seriously consider breaking that habit in 2008. Yes, Pride is noisy, brash and brazen and it can have all the class of a tart without any knickers trading her wares in the lobby of the Dorchester but it is great fun and an unmissable opportunity to feel a part of the gay community.

Just click on the links to find out about each event. See you there!