THE number of Scots aged over 45 hit by sexual disease has rocketed by almost 150% in the past decade, shocking new figures have revealed.
Better health, Viagra, and divorce are the key factors behind the massive rise in middle and old-aged Scots diagnosed with sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs).
Far higher numbers of under-25s suffered STDs over the same period but the percentage increase was well under 50%.
The Freedom of Information figures have been released by the Information Services Division of NHS Scotland.
They show that over-45s suffering from the three most common STDs - herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea - rose from 256 in 2003 to 631 in 2012, a rise of 146%.
The number of under-25s suffering from the same diseases went from 10,355 to 15,135. Although the numbers are much higher than for over-45s, the percentage rise was 46%.
The percentage increase for the population as a whole was 43% over the 10 year period, with herpes seeing the highest rise.
Experts have issued a warning to Scots and in particular to over-45s who should "re-educate" themselves on sexual health.
Karen Lorimer, a sexual health expert at Glasgow Caledonian University, said there are many factors which should be considered when determining why more adults are being diagnosed with STDs.
These include a healthier ageing population, along with a growing divorce rate.
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