Sexual health is relevant at every stage of life. While public health messaging around STIs has traditionally focused on younger populations, sexually transmitted infections can affect individuals of any age — including adults over 50.
In recent years, STI rates among older adults in the UK have risen. Changes in relationship status, increased life expectancy, reduced condom use after menopause, and lower perceived risk are among the factors that may contribute to this trend. At the same time, hormonal and physiological changes associated with ageing can affect sexual health in ways that may overlap with or mask symptoms of infection.
Symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of infection. Many STIs are asymptomatic, and when symptoms do occur, they may be attributed to age-related changes rather than investigated further. Laboratory testing remains the only reliable way to confirm infection status.
Quick Answer: Are STIs a Concern After 50?
Yes. Sexually transmitted infections can affect individuals at any age, including adults over 50. Changes in relationship status, reduced condom use, and lower perceived risk may contribute to increasing STI rates in older adults. Symptoms may be mild or mistaken for age-related changes, which is why laboratory testing remains the only reliable way to confirm infection.
Key Points:
- •STIs do not only affect younger people
- •Condom use often declines after menopause
- •Many infections are asymptomatic
- •Symptoms may overlap with age-related changes
- •Confidential laboratory screening provides clarity
Laboratory testing is required to confirm any infection.
Why Are STIs Increasing in Older Adults?
Several factors may contribute to rising STI rates among adults over 50. Understanding these factors helps to contextualise why sexual health screening remains relevant regardless of age.
- •Increased life expectancy: People are living longer, healthier lives with more years of sexual activity
- •Changing relationships: Divorce, bereavement and new partnerships later in life mean more adults over 50 are entering new sexual relationships
- •Online dating: Dating platforms have expanded opportunities for meeting new partners across all age groups
- •Reduced condom use: After menopause, when pregnancy is no longer a concern, barrier protection may be deprioritised
- •Lower perceived risk: Many older adults do not consider themselves at risk for STIs, which may reduce the likelihood of testing
These are observational factors, not causes of infection. STIs are transmitted through sexual contact regardless of age, and awareness of risk supports informed health decisions.
How Ageing Affects Sexual Health
Ageing brings physiological changes that can affect sexual health and comfort. While these changes are a natural part of the ageing process, understanding them is important in the context of STI awareness.
- •Vaginal dryness: Declining oestrogen levels during and after menopause can reduce natural lubrication
- •Thinning mucosal tissues: Vaginal and urethral tissues may become thinner and more delicate with age
- •Increased susceptibility to irritation: Thinner tissues may be more prone to micro-tears during sexual activity
- •Erectile changes: Changes in erectile function are common in older men and may affect sexual activity patterns
- •Reduced natural lubrication: Both men and women may experience changes in natural lubrication with age
These physiological changes do not cause STIs. However, they may affect tissue resilience and comfort during sexual activity. Some symptoms associated with these changes — such as vaginal dryness or urinary discomfort — may also overlap with signs of certain infections, making it more difficult to distinguish between age-related changes and potential infection without laboratory testing.
Common STIs in Older Adults
The same sexually transmitted infections that affect younger populations can also affect older adults. Commonly screened infections include:
- •Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, chlamydia can be present without any noticeable signs regardless of age
- •Gonorrhoea: May cause mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic; laboratory testing is required for confirmation
- •Syphilis: Rates have increased across age groups; early stages may produce mild, easily overlooked symptoms
- •Herpes: Can be acquired at any age; outbreaks may be mild and attributed to other causes in older adults
- •HIV: New diagnoses in adults over 50 are not uncommon; testing is the only reliable confirmation method
A comprehensive STI screening panel can test for multiple infections from a single visit, providing a broad overview of sexual health status.
We provide laboratory-based STI screening. Treatment arrangements are managed separately if required.
Symptoms That May Be Overlooked After 50
One of the challenges of STI detection in older adults is the overlap between infection symptoms and common age-related changes. Some signs that may warrant consideration include:
- •Urinary discomfort: Burning or frequency during urination may be attributed to age-related urinary changes rather than infection
- •Vaginal dryness: Often assumed to be solely menopause-related, but may also accompany certain infections
- •Mild discharge changes: Subtle changes in discharge may be overlooked or considered normal variation
- •Fatigue: General tiredness is common with age but can also accompany certain systemic infections
- •Genital irritation: Irritation or discomfort may be attributed to dryness or sensitivity rather than infection
These symptoms are not diagnostic of any specific condition. They may have many possible causes, including age-related physiological changes. However, when they occur alongside potential exposure risk, laboratory testing provides the most reliable path to clarity.
Is Late-Life STI Testing Necessary?
Yes. STI testing may be appropriate for adults of any age. There is no upper age limit beyond which testing becomes irrelevant. Circumstances where testing may be particularly appropriate include:
- •After a new sexual partner
- •Following unprotected sexual contact
- •After a relationship change such as separation or bereavement
- •As part of a routine sexual health review
- •Before entering a new long-term relationship
Testing provides factual information about infection status. It supports informed decision-making and proactive health management regardless of age.
Safe Sex for Seniors: What Still Matters?
The principles of safer sexual practice remain relevant at every age. While the context may differ — pregnancy may no longer be a consideration — STI transmission risk persists regardless of reproductive status.
- •Barrier protection: Condoms and other barrier methods continue to reduce STI transmission risk after menopause
- •STI risk is independent of pregnancy risk: The absence of pregnancy concern does not eliminate infection risk
- •Communication with partners: Open discussion about sexual health history and testing supports informed choices
- •Routine screening: Periodic testing provides ongoing confidence in sexual health status, particularly when there are new or multiple partners
Sexual health awareness and safe practices are lifelong considerations, not limited to any particular age group.
How Is STI Testing Conducted?
STI testing is a straightforward, confidential process. The specific tests performed depend on individual circumstances, exposure history and the infections being screened for. Common testing methods include:
- •Blood tests: Used to screen for infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C
- •Urine tests: Commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening
- •Swab testing: May be used for specific site screening depending on symptoms and exposure history
- •Multi-site screening: Testing from multiple sample types within a single appointment for comprehensive coverage
- •Confidential laboratory analysis: All samples are processed by accredited laboratories using validated testing methods
Testing can be arranged through a private sexual health clinic London, where the process is designed to be discreet, professional and supportive.
We provide laboratory-based STI screening. Treatment arrangements are managed separately if required.
Can You Have an STI Without Symptoms After 50?
Yes. A significant proportion of sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic — meaning they produce no noticeable symptoms — regardless of the individual’s age. This is true for many common infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.
Age does not change the fundamental nature of how these infections present. An older adult is just as likely as a younger person to carry an infection without experiencing any outward signs. The absence of symptoms does not indicate the absence of infection.
This is why laboratory testing — rather than symptom-based assessment — is considered the reliable method for determining infection status. Testing provides factual, objective information that symptom monitoring alone cannot.
Breaking the Stigma Around Sexual Health in Later Life
Sexual health is a lifelong consideration. There is no age at which it becomes irrelevant, and there is no reason to feel uncomfortable about seeking testing or information at any stage of life.
Choosing to test is a responsible and proactive decision. It reflects an informed approach to personal health management, not a source of concern or embarrassment. Confidential testing services are designed to be respectful, non-judgemental and discreet.
There is no upper age limit for STI risk. As long as an individual is sexually active, awareness of sexual health — including periodic screening when appropriate — remains a valuable part of overall wellbeing.
People Also Ask
Are STIs common in people over 50?
Yes. STI rates among adults over 50 have risen in recent years across the UK. Factors such as changing relationship patterns, reduced condom use after menopause, and lower perceived risk may contribute. Many infections are asymptomatic in this age group, making laboratory testing the most reliable method for confirming infection status.
Can menopause increase STI risk?
Menopause does not cause STIs. However, hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of mucosal tissues, which may increase vulnerability to micro-tears during sexual activity. These physiological changes do not increase infection risk directly but may affect tissue resilience. Barrier protection and laboratory testing remain important considerations.
Do seniors need condoms after menopause?
Yes. While pregnancy is no longer a concern after menopause, barrier protection such as condoms still reduces the risk of STI transmission. STI risk is independent of pregnancy risk, and condom use remains a relevant consideration for sexual health protection at any age.
Should I test before a new relationship at 60?
Testing may be appropriate when starting a new sexual relationship at any age. Many STIs are asymptomatic and can be carried without noticeable signs. Laboratory screening before or early in a new relationship provides clarity for both partners and supports informed decision-making about sexual health.
Can STI symptoms be mistaken for ageing?
Yes. Some STI symptoms — such as urinary discomfort, vaginal dryness, fatigue and genital irritation — can overlap with common age-related changes. This overlap may lead to symptoms being dismissed rather than investigated. Laboratory testing provides clarity and avoids reliance on symptom interpretation alone.
This article is for general information. Laboratory testing is required to confirm any infection.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Our team is here to help you with all your dental and medical needs.
For general information only — not a substitute for professional advice. In an emergency call 999, visit A&E, or call NHS 111.