Professor Darren Russell
Sexual health physician and the Director of Sexual Health at Cairns Hospital
There is emerging evidence that in Australia women in their midlife are developing some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at increasing rates compared to previous years, In general, STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are increasing among older women at a faster rate than among younger women. HIV notifications in heterosexuals are also increasing compared to those for gay and bisexual men in Australia. Factors that could be involved in this increase include: ageist attitudes about the sexuality of older adults and older women in particular, low STI suspicion among healthcare providers, and attitudes to condom usage and STI screening in older women and men.