If you are past your prime you may have a hard time getting an erection, but getting an STD is still possible. You have to still be concerned about protecting yourself even while taking Viagra.

The Myth

The reason why Viagra is associated with STDs and getting blamed for the cause of STDs is that people do not understand this prescription drug does not prevent STDs.

Furthermore, just because two people (or at least one of the pair) may be past their prime does not mean that they are immune to STDs. Seniors can get sexually transmitted diseases just as anyone else can.

Perhaps this is hard to believe because there is too much of a stigma out there that senior citizens do not even have sex. However, they do all the time and they manage to have fun while doing it.

Is this a new concern?

Of course, the issue of STDs is not at all a new concern. This concern has been relevant for as long as humans have been alive (even before discovery of them).

However, some shocking new statistics were produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Six new cases of STDs per 10,000 men ages 40 and over were reported.

This does not refute the fact that younger men still have more STDs than older men. However, the growth rates in older men are much faster in older men.

The reason for this sudden increase in STDs reported in older men is still very much unknown. However, it is often attributed to increasing divorce rates and increased encouragement among older men to become sexually active and enjoy a sexually active lifestyle.

More Shocking News

Contrary to what most people may believe older men (50+ years of age) are six times less likely to use a condom than a man in his 20s. Why is that? The main reason is because the older men are less likely to worry simply because of no chance of pregnancy-at least with a woman also in the senior age bracket.

Is Viagra the Cause?

In the process of determined the surge in senior STD rates studies were done to find out if Viagra or comparable drugs were the cause. According to some data it would appear at first glance that Viagra users would be at a higher risk for catching an STD.

However, the explanation so far given was that these users are at a “different sexual risk profile” than people who do not use prescription ED drugs. Whether people who are sexually involved use medications or not, often they put them selves at greater risk.