A recent study in The Netherlands has called for swinging (the practice of couples sharing sexual partners at sex parties) to be categorized in a similar way to other sexual practices (such as paying for sex) to establish a risk profile. The study in the South Limberg area of the country, which has a population of around 630,000, examined statistics from sexual health clinics over a period from 2007 to 2008. Of the 8,971 consultations for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, around 12% were for swingers who had an average age of 43.
The swingers came in third after young heterosexuals and homosexuals in the study and there was a higher incidence of infection in female swingers than in males.
This study helps to explode the myth that sexually transmitted infections are the preserve of the young. At The Online Clinic, we have been aware for some time of the growth in STIs in the middle-aged population based on the patients that we deal with. We have also advocated a wider coverage of this subject in the mainstream media to make people aware of the risks as many people still assume that STDs are not something that are likely to affect them later in life, even if they remain sexually active.
Sexual health checks are easily accessible either on the NHS or privately. Health checks for the most common infections (including Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea) are available online and The Online Clinic can treat anyone who has had a positive result, making this sensitive area as discreet and private as possible. We recommend The STI Clinic for postal STI tests. Their tests go through an accredited laboratory and most results take as little as 24 hours.