SEX INFECTIONS DON’T ONLY CATCH OUT THE YOUNG…

WOULD you be shocked if I told you sexually transmitted infections are soaring in the over-65s? Well, they are.

Since 2017, cases of gonorrhoea and chlamydia in this group rose by 20 per cent, according to a study by the Local Government Association published last week.

I wasn’t surprised at all by the news – it’s a trend that GPs have noticed for a while. Many of these people are newly single in midlife after divorce or the death of a partner, and have been enthusiastically using dating apps and websites.

Yet at this age, partners often don’t consider using condoms – as they think contraception isn’t required.

It’s not uncommon for me to see women who have been suffering symptoms for some time, and put it down to myriad other things, such as menopausal symptoms. I have to break it to them: they’ve picked up an STI. Of course this is nothing to be ashamed of, but often, they’re dumbfounded.

I’m interested to know if anyone has experience of this – and how you were treated when you sought help or advice. Write and tell me at the email address below.