STD rates double for the 50 to 90 demographic, baby boomers more active, experts say

Sexually Transmitted Diseases have more than doubled for older adults between 50 and 90 years old in the last ten years, and experts are offering several reasons why, The International Business Times reports.  

"I can see why there would be an increase in STDs.  I'm sure we are having more sex than our parents were," said Sheila Rasimowicz, a lawyer and spokeswoman for the National Association of Baby Boomers.

In fact, about 80 percent of those in the 50 to 90 age range are sexually active, according to the Student British Medical Report published Tuesday.

Some experts are crediting those active sex lives to the baby boomer generation being in better shape than their predecessors.

They also have access to medication and procedures that can treat issues like erectile dysfunction or give a cosmetic boost to feel more attractive.

Sharon Brangman, the chairman of the board of directors of the American Geriatrics Society, says the myth of sexless older people can even trip up medical professionals who may misdiagnose an STD for something benign.

STD symptoms include stomach pain, trouble urinating, discharge, unusual fevers and abnormal rashes.

Brangman believes in order to tackle the problem, an initiative to improve sex education among the older demographic and doctors is needed. 

Read the International Business Times report at http://bit.ly/xr9wVZ .