Sex and the older generation: it's not a topic that gets discussed much, not even in the doctor's office. But some physicians say that needs to change, because older patients are leading active sex lives - and their rates of sexually transmitted disease (STD) may be on the rise.

Whatever the cause - Viagra, mid-life divorce, online dating or simple ignorance - studies suggest that STDs are no longer just an affliction of the young. A study published last week online by the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections adds to that growing body of evidence.

By RUSSELL GOLDMAN
ABCNEWS

A newly published study links the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, or HPV, to lung cancer, adding lungs to the list of organs scientists say are susceptible to cancer as a result of contracting the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

Recent studies have found connections between HPV and cancers of the mouth and throat, but the University of Louisville study released late last week is the first to associate the infection with lung cancer.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Programs teaching U.S. schoolchildren to abstain from sex have not cut teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases or delayed the age at which sex begins, health groups told Congress on Wednesday.

The Bush administration, however, voiced continuing support for such programs during a hearing before a House of Representatives panel even as many Democrats called for cutting off federal money for so-called abstinence-only instruction.

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Sex is just one of the topics on the brains of women entering EmpowHer.com’s Give the Gift of Giving contest. Women were asked to share the best health advice shared with them and the response has been amazing. Here are a few tips from our entrants.

Jessica recommends getting vaccinated against HPV.

The saying goes,"The silence is deafening." No more. A brave filmmaker, herself a victim of gang rape, wanted to share her story with victims in the Congo (DRC). Little was Lisa Jackson prepared for the horrific stories she would capture on camera. Her independent documentary film, "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo," aired on HBO just last week and I cannot describe how it made me feel. If ever you find yourself complaining about life, think of these women who are so violently brutalized with impunity that they suffer, or die, from unimaginable internal wounds.

MONDAY, March 24 (HealthDay News) -- Comprehensive sex education may help reduce teen pregnancies without increasing levels of sexual intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through direct body contact or through infected body fluids. Ask questions or post insight about your experiences.