According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many sexually transmitted diseases are asymptomatic, with as many as one million per day being contracted across the globe. Asymptomatic or not, STDs can still have adverse impacts on women healthily carrying pregnancies to term and giving birth.

Women and men alike who live with these infections may also become more vulnerable to medical complications, such as cancers, infertility, and even death. Individuals who believe they have an STD should not only get tested, but also inform any partners they've been sexually active with. This remains critical to preventing any further spread of said infections.

Unfortunately, the rates of STDs aren't waning. In fact, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showcases that rising amounts of older adults are coming down with these illnesses.

Reviewing the CDC's findings on older adults and STDs

This week, the CDC revealed people ages 55 and up are increasingly more likely to carry sexually transmitted diseases. As it turns out, the rates of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea, in particular, have skyrocketed amongst the aforementioned age demographic since 2010.

Medical specialists maintain several theories as to why STD rates are climbing amongst older age groups. For starters, adults 55 and up have become more sexually active than in years past. Furthermore, older people who partake in intercourse are less likely to use condoms or other forms of protection. Naturally, this makes them more vulnerable to contracting an STD.

Traditionally, many elder individuals view protection during sex as a great way to avoid pregnancy. Seeing as older women generally have lower fertility rates than their younger counterparts, some folks may write off "safe" intercourse for this age group as unnecessary.

Though as studies have shown for years, pregnancy deterrence and STD prevention are vital benefits of using protection during sex. Unfortunately, many older people aren't as aware of this as younger individuals.

Better safe than sorry

There's no denying that older people have a reduced likelihood of running into surprise pregnancies. However, the same does not apply to their propensity to contract STDs.

Certain infections, such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and gonorrhea have cures. HPV, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B, on the other hand, are incurable. Once a person contracts one of these diseases, they're stuck with them for life.

Sexually active adults of all ages should not only get regularly tested for STDs, but also use condoms during intercourse.