MEN and women aged over 40 are the target of a sexual health campaign launched by an NHS clinic in Exeter.

The Centre, managed by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, is aiming to raise awareness among over-40s of the sexual health and contraceptive services it provides.

The move comes ahead of Sexual Health Week 2014, which runs from 15 to 21 September.

Data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows that the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise among those aged 45 to 64, while HIV diagnoses have doubled in the over-50s over the past decade.

April Brooks, senior nurse at The Centre, said some of these trends were evident locally and could be attributed to higher levels of unprotected sex and changes in lifestyle and attitudes.

She said: “The average age for men and women to get divorced in England and Wales is in their early 40s.

“Therefore many individuals in their 40s are now dating again.

“The Royal Pharmaceutical Society found that almost 20 per cent of people aged 45 to 54 had unprotected sex in the last year with someone other than a long-term partner.

“Whatever their circumstances, people in this age group may not have had to think about contraception or sexual health for many years.

“Safer sex messages aimed at young people may make them feel that these warnings are not relevant to them, but STIs are making a comeback in this generation and we all need to be vigilant.”

April said unintended pregnancies among women aged over 40 could be avoided with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).

She said: “Because of targeted awareness of these contraceptives, terminations in the under-18s have dropped significantly in the last decade.

“However, many women entering the period prior to the menopause in their 40s often feel that their risk of pregnancy is low, or that they cannot use certain methods of contraception due to their age or other health factors. This is not always true.

“Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) data from 2010 showed that women in their 40s do experience unintended pregnancies and some opt for abortion.

“It is important that women are aware that this is avoidable and that there are a wide range of contraceptive methods available.”

The Centre, in Sidwell Street, is holding an open afternoon on Saturday 20 September for men and women aged 40 or over.

People can drop in any time between 2pm and 4pm and take a test for all STIs, including HIV, and receive contraceptive advice and free condoms.

April said: “Our trained doctors and nurses will be available to answer questions and provide information about safer sex and contraception, perform basic screening and signpost to other relevant services.

“If you are aged 40 or over and are sexually active with a long-term or new partner, please come in and see what we can do to help you.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s improving health and wellbeing portfolio holder, said: “Sexual ill-health can affect people of all ages.

“Sexuality and the way an individual expresses him or herself may change over time.

“To make informed and responsible decisions, individuals need to be aware of the risks they face, how to protect their sexual health and how to access appropriate and confidential services when required.”