Date Published: 13 February 2009

Terrence Higgins Trust gives over 35s safer sex lesson this Valentine's Day

The Terence Higgins Trust (THT) is a UK charity that provides advice and support about HIV and sexual health more generally. THT has a lot of experience of working with all kinds of young people. Visit their website for advice about safe sex and sexual health.

As rates of sexually transmitted infections rise in the over 35s, the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is issuing a warning that the safer sex message isn’t just for young people.

According to the THT many over 35s come out of long term relationships and enter the dating scene again but fail to use condoms with new partners. As a result, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within this group have soared in the last decade. The most recent figures from the Health Protection Agency show that almost half of syphilis and a quarter of herpes cases were in people aged 35-64. In 2007, over 13,000 people in that age group were diagnosed with genital warts and more than 10,000 with chlamydia.

The message from THT comes in Contraceptive Awareness Week (9-15 February) and just prior to Valentine’s Day.

Genevieve Edwards, Director of Communications at Terrence Higgins Trust said:

“Sex is one area of life where age can bring complacency rather than wisdom. People may have been used to one sexual partner for a long time and when they start dating again, they’re too embarrassed or nervous to talk about condom use or STIs. However, ignoring the issue could mean you end up with an infection, a gift you definitely don’t want from your partner this Valentine’s Day.”

Condoms are available free from Terrence Higgins Trust offices or GUM clinics. Alternatively, they can be bought in chemists, supermarkets, garages and vending machines in pubs and clubs. Internet sites also sell a large variety of condoms and can deliver to your home. Always check that the condoms you use have the British Safety Standard Kitemark and the CE symbol on the packet.

News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. At least some of the material in this news item was released by the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) on or about 13 February 2009.