PEOPLE over the age of 40 are being urged to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, with a lack of education, lack of knowledge and stigma being blamed for a rise in poor sexual health nationally in the older generation.

Solent NHS Trust’s Sexual Health Service is launching its Generation Sex campaign to prompt those having sex with new partners at a later age to think about their sexual health and get tested for STIs.

Sue Gilbert, sexual health promotion and network manager said, “Sex is still a taboo subject for many, especially those of an older generation and this can be a real barrier for practicing safe sex and accessing services.

“Part of our role as a sexual health promotion service is to diminish that stigma but also to alert people to the facts of risky sexual behaviour.

“Part of that process is encouraging these conversations to be inter-generational, acknowledging that sex is an important part of life, whatever the chapter.”

Divorce, the menopause, poor sex education and a lack of knowledge are thought to be contributing factors to poor sexual health in over 40s as well as a rise in online dating and new relationships in this group.

Mrs Gilbert said: “Lessons in sex education are something that many of our over 40s probably missed at school. This means that many people in this age group don’t understand the risks that they may be taking in their sexual relationships.

“We know that by talking to others about your sexual health individuals can increase knowledge and develop ability to make positive choices about the relationships they are having.”

For more information on the campaign, visit www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk.