Get Healthy Carson City: STI Awareness Week: The long-term complications

This week kicks off STI Awareness Week, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about sexually transmitted infections and promoting sexual health education. Sexually transmitted infections are often thought of as a concern primarily for younger generations, but recent data has highlighted a concerning trend of STI rates rising among older adults. This demographic shift brings about significant challenges and considerations, including long-term complications for older adults.

Historically, STIs have been associated with younger age groups, leading to limited awareness and preventive efforts targeted at older adults. However, societal changes, such as increased divorce rates, longer life expectancy, and the rise of online dating, have contributed to older adults engaging in sexual activity more frequently.

Unfortunately, many older individuals may not perceive themselves as at risk for STIs, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The long-term complications of untreated STIs for older adults can be severe. These complications include:

Chronic pelvic pain: Untreated STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause chronic pelvic pain, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Increased risk of certain cancers: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with an increased risk of cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers. Older adults who are sexually active can still acquire HPV and develop these cancers.

Neurological complications: Some STIs, such as syphilis, can lead to neurological complications if left untreated, including cognitive impairment and stroke.

Older adults may face additional barriers to accessing sexual health services, including stigma, embarrassment, and age-related health concerns. Because of this, they are less likely to be diagnosed with an STI in its early stages and are unable to benefit from the medications available for early-stage treatment. 

It is important to know whether you have been diagnosed with an STI as an older adult or are curious about how to prevent them, there is no shame in having an STI at any age.

In addition to the risks posed to older adults, STIs can also have severe consequences for newborn babies. When pregnant individuals have untreated STIs, there is a risk of having it transfer to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is crucial for pregnant women to seek prenatal care for every pregnancy. Untreated STIs can result in:

Low birth weight: Babies born to mothers with untreated STIs may be born prematurely or have a low birth weight, increasing the risk of health complications.

Developmental delays: Congenital infections can lead to developmental delays and long-term health issues for babies.

Stillbirth: In severe cases, congenital STI infections can lead to stillbirth or infant mortality.

Preventing STIs during pregnancy is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Prenatal care plays a vital role in screening for STIs, diagnosing infections early, and providing appropriate treatment to prevent transmission to the baby. Talking to your healthcare provider about STIs may feel uncomfortable. However, this helps them know how to best care for you and your baby.

Your sexual health is an important component of your overall well-being. This April, take a proactive approach and get tested! Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or contact Carson City Health and Human Services at 775-887-2195 to arrange a sexual health screening.

At Carson City Health and Human Services, we recognize that sexual health can be a sensitive topic. Additionally, we provide confidential partner notification services, safe-sex kits, and a supportive, nonjudgmental environment to address your sexual health inquiries. By working together, we can stop the spread of STIs and foster healthier communities for everyone.

For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, or give us a call at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City, or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, X @CCHealthEd, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.