A new study released had some alarming findings for the over 40 crowd. Sexually transmitted diseases have more than doubled in the over 40 age group in less than a decade.
The report released by the Health Protection Agency said Internet dating and erectile dysfunction drugs were partly to blame for the increase in diseases. Men were most likely to be affected the most with the diseases.
BBC News reports that the increase in the older generation may be because of the lack of condom use. There is no fear of getting a woman pregnant in the older generations so they fail to use the condom. Therefore, having unprotected sex is leading to increase disease transmission.
This older generation has more people coming out of long-term relationships and just do not realize the risks of not using a condom.
What does this age group need to know about dating now?
Increased opportunity isn't a free license.
With the new technology, the opportunity to meet and hook-up with others is never ending. This does not give a free license to do so. Show some maturity and restraint. The internet is a great tool to meet new people, but it doesn't tell you what type of person you are hooking up with when you make plans to meet the person you have been corresponding with online. So, be careful. Don't have sex just because you can. If you are using the sexual enhancement drugs, realize there is no protection against diseases. Also be careful when you travel. You may believe that it won't hurt to have a one-night stand a million miles away. Be prepared for the emotional toll it will have and the ill possibilities. You are the older generation, model good behavior and respect. Be responsible with sex.
Use protection
If you don't know what or how, use that same Internet to research the different forms as well as the different diseases you could contract. Use a condom. You were not invincible as a teenager and you are not now either.
Do a background check
Protect yourself by not only taking sexual precautions, but also by knowing your partner. I know that sounds like it is taking the romance and love out of the picture, but you can never be too careful these days. It is a different time than when you previously dated, so take extra precautions to keep you safe.
These statistics are disturbing. Don't become one. Take the necessary safety measures now to be able to enjoy dating while you are in your forties instead of spending years in the hospitals being treated for sexually transmitted diseases.
