Do I need to practice safe sex, even though that I am older? Yes! People of all ages should know how to practice safe sex. Why? Any person that is in an intimate relationship is at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Sexually transmitted diseases are infections transmitted through sexual contact, and are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some common STDs are:
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B, C
- Herpes
- HIV/AIDS
Of all STDs, HIV is of particular concern because it can be fatal if left untreated. Approximately one-fifth of people living with HIV/AIDS are older adults. Thousands of older adults get HIV every year. You may ask yourself how is that possible? Well let’s use some examples to illustrate common cases.
First example, a 55 year man that has been in a monogamous relationship most of his life, and then he becomes a widow or gets divorced. After a while, he finds a new romantic interest and starts a new sexual relationship with a new partner and doesn’t use condoms. Then he is unexpectedly diagnosed with HIV.
Second example, a postmenopausal woman just started a new sexual relationship, and she feels that she doesn’t need to use condoms because at this point in her life she can’t get pregnant and her partner is a “nice person”. Then, in one of the regular visits to her doctor she is told she is HIV positive.
As you can see, simple cases like these are some examples of how can you get HIV or any other type of STD.
How can I prevent STDs?
- Use condoms consistently and correctly
- Limit the number of people with whom you have sex
- Limit or eliminate drug and alcohol use before and during sex because it may impair your judgement
- Talk with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs and HIV and if you are a good candidate for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Note that these are ways of preventing STDs but the only way to fully prevent getting an STD is abstinence.
Communication is part of the key, talk with your doctor about the risk and how to protect yourself. Also, talk with your partner to know more about their sexual history. Remember that you are never too old to be at risk of an STD.
