Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Third Age: Rising Risk Among over 65-Year-Old Persons in Southern Sardinia

Background/Objectives: Population ageing and the persistence of sexual activity in later life are reshaping sexual health needs. Older adults are often overlooked in STI surveillance and prevention, and data on infections among those aged ≥65 years remain limited. This study describes the epidemiological and clinical profile of STIs in older adults in Southern Sardinia. Our aim was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of sexually transmitted infections in adults aged 65 years and older attending a specialist STI outpatient clinic in Southern Sardinia over a 15-year period.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of all new STI diagnoses in patients aged ≥65 years attending the Dermatology STI outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Cagliari between 2010 and 2024. Demographic, behavioural, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from medical records and analysed descriptively.