When Fifty Shades of Grey was released in 2011, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The novel, which was followed by two movie adaptations, tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a wealthy, sexually dominant businessman.

The book and movies were so popular that they spawned an entire genre of erotic fiction known as “mommy porn.” It may seem harmless, but a recent study has linked the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey to a surge in sexually transmitted diseases among middle-aged adults.

The Study

According to a study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, counties with higher sales of erotic novels like Fifty Shades of Grey also had higher rates of STDs.

The study looked at data from over 1,200 counties in the United States and found that the correlation was strongest among middle-aged adults, who make up a significant portion of Fifty Shades of Grey’s readership.

The Cause

So why might the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey be causing an increase in STDs among middle-aged adults? The study’s authors suggest that the erotic novel and its sequels may be influencing readers to engage in riskier sexual behaviors.

In the book, the main character engages in BDSM activities, which can involve practices like bondage, domination, and submission. These activities can increase the risk of transmitting STDs if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Additionally, the book romanticizes a relationship in which the man is dominant and the woman is submissive, which can lead to power imbalances in real-life relationships.

This could cause people to engage in sexual activities that they’re not completely comfortable with, further increasing the risk of STD transmission.

The Consequences

The consequences of this middle-aged STD epidemic are serious. STDs can cause a variety of health problems, including infertility, cancer, and even death.

And while they can be treated with antibiotics, many people don’t know they’re infected because they don’t experience symptoms right away. This means that they can unknowingly transmit the infection to their partners, leading to more cases of STDs.

The Solution

So what can be done to stop the spread of STDs among middle-aged adults? The study’s authors suggest that public health campaigns should be targeted at this demographic, as they may not be aware of their risks.

Additionally, healthcare providers should be encouraged to ask their patients about their sexual histories and offer STD testing when appropriate.

It’s also important for people to practice safe sex and communicate openly with their partners about their sexual preferences and boundaries.

BDSM activities can be enjoyed safely with the right precautions, but it’s important for everyone involved to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them.

The Bottom Line

The popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey may have unintended consequences for middle-aged adults. The book and its sequels may be encouraging readers to engage in riskier sexual behaviors, leading to an increase in STDs among this demographic.

It’s important for healthcare providers, public health officials, and individuals to take steps to address this issue and prevent further spread of STDs.