Older couples more unprotected sex

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Older couples in their 30s and 40s are more likely to have unprotected sex with a new partner than teenagers, according to a new study.

Researchers discovered that while two thirds of men and women in their late teens always used a condom in the first throws of passion, just a third of those aged 35 to 40 coupling up for the first time did so.

The new findings from a study by the British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes of 11,000 men and women, has sent alarm bells ringing and prompted calls for an urgent drive to encourage more adults to use condoms to cap the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Julie Bentley, chief executive of the sexual health charity FPA commented on the news saying: 'Thirtysomethings may see sexual health as a young person's concern and so do not always think about using condoms.'

She added: 'Looking after our sexual health is important throughout all our lives.'

STDs are on the rise with a reported 6% increase in the total number diagnosed in 2007 compared with 2006, according to the UK's Health Protection Agency.

Further research published this year reports that STD diagnosis in the over-45s has doubled between 1996 and 2003.

Experts have expressed further concern over the rise in unprotected sex, owing to the increasingly high divorce rate.

Dr Catherine Mercer said: 'Interventions are urgently required for people in their 30s and 40s and older who are increasingly forming new partnerships.'

Wednesday 12 November 2008

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