BBC Radio Scotland Highlands and Islands

Medical Matters

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

A series of programmes looking at health issues

Medical Matters: Series 7

Medical Matters: Series 7: Episode 2: The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

Episode 2

Episode 2: The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

Series 7

The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

BBC Radio Scotland - Medical Matters, Series 7, The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

STIs are on the rise in Scotland among over-45s. What's behind the middle-aged sex bomb?

Why are most of Scotland's sexual health messages aimed at young people? As STIs in Scotland increase among over-45s, Edi Stark asks how best to defuse the middle-aged sex bomb.

2/4 Medical Matters - The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

Edi Stark investigates how to defuse the Scottish 'middle-aged sex bomb'.

Talking to a sociologist, a sex therapist, and various health protection experts, Edi also visits a sexual health clinic and sees what goes on behind the consultant's curtain. She also speaks to a woman who first learned she had contracted a serious sexually transmitted infection aged 67, and learns of the repercussions on her emotionally and sexually, and on her family. 

Sexual health messages are nothing new - from poster campaigns to radio adverts, We're bombarded with warnings to protect ourselves. What we don't see though, are these warnings being aimed towards older generations. Last year, the Family Planning Association launched the first campaign geared towards the middle-aged, and it stood out in a sea of posters, pamphlets and literature predominately aged at teens and twenty-somethings. Featuring pictures of people dressed in 1970's clothes, and an image of a condom, it aimed to get older generations to think about protection. 

However, when it comes to Scotland, the message hasn't sunk in. According to figures from sexual health reports, Genital Warts almost doubled in this age group from 1999-2008. Herpes and Chlamydia are also on the increase. Although overall numbers remain relatively low compared to younger age groups, it is the level of increase that's concerning. Medical Matters exposes myths, offers advice and most of all uncovers why a Scottish shortfall in confidence, communication and awareness may be causing sexual health in the over forties to detonate.

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Episode 2: The Middle-Aged Sex Bomb

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