Mr. Hach initially experienced fever, headache, and dizziness, attributing them to the flu and self-medicating. Weeks later, he noticed growths around his penis, accompanied by pain, burning, and a foul-smelling discharge. Seeking medical attention, he received a diagnosis of severe genital warts and active hepatitis B.

Doctors assessed Mr. Hanh's penile area, identifying numerous lesions of various sizes, with potential for more un-erupted growths. He underwent excision and cauterization of the growths, combined with medication and specialized topical solutions for hygiene. A follow-up appointment was scheduled after three weeks. For hepatitis B, he received antiviral medication, was advised to abstain from alcohol, and scheduled for regular follow-up visits to monitor his viral load.

A 65-year-old man with neurosyphilis receiving treatment at National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in 11/2025. Photo: National Hospital for Tropical Diseases

Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Nam, 70, from Ninh Binh, experienced frequent painful urination, pus discharge, and a foul odor one week after intercourse with a woman he met while exercising. Doctors diagnosed him with gonorrhea, explaining the test results and transmission risks to persuade him to undergo treatment. They ultimately agreed on injectable antibiotics and follow-up visits to prevent reinfection.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis B can affect older adults, not just younger individuals, according to Doctor Nguyen Cong Luan, Medical Manager at VNVC Vaccination System. A US study highlighted a significant increase in STD cases among individuals aged 65 and older, rising from 4,8% in 2020 to 23,8% in 2023. The most prevalent diseases included syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

A meta-analysis of multiple studies published in the US National Library of Medicine (2025) indicated a growing global prevalence of STDs among older adults over the past decade. Researchers attributed this rise to factors such as multiple partners, unprotected sex, limited sexual health knowledge, weakened immune systems, or undiagnosed prior infections.

Older adults receiving vaccinations at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Doctor Luan advises that older adults with risk factors, such as new sexual partners, should undergo regular screening for sexually transmitted infections for early detection and timely treatment. He also recommends practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing personal items, limiting alcohol consumption, having health check-ups every six months, and combining healthy eating with regular exercise to boost immunity and improve overall health. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure for certain diseases.

Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination, with two types available: a single dose and a combined dose that also protects against hepatitis A. Older adults should complete a three-dose series over six months, undergo antibody testing before vaccination, and receive booster shots when antibody levels decline. Individuals living with infected patients should have regular health check-ups and antibody level tests to ensure timely vaccination if their antibodies decrease, preventing disease transmission. For HPV, a vaccine protecting against 9 common disease-causing HPV strains is currently indicated for individuals up to 45 years old, both male and female. This vaccine helps prevent genital warts, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer caused by these virus strains.

Dieu Thuan

*Names have been changed.