Protecting Yourself << Sexual Health << Healthy Aging << womenshealth.gov

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Protecting Yourself

Many older adults don't think they're at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS. This is not true! Almost anybody who is sexually active is at risk for getting an STI or HIV, including older adults. And it's much easier for a woman to catch an STI (including HIV). Take steps to protect yourself.

Talking to Your Doctor About HIV

Related information

Did you know that one in ten people diagnosed with HIV is over the age of 50? Learn more in our special section on HIV/AIDS - Women Over 50
Negotiating Condom Use, from the American Social Health Association

If you're sexually active, you should know your HIV status. You should also know your partner's status. You both need to be tested. You may be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about HIV. Don't be — many sexually active people have their doctors test them. You can also be tested anonymously at a public clinic run by your city or state. Self-testing kits are also available, but there is only one on the market that has FDA approval. Learn more about home-testing in "Vital Facts About HIV Home Test Kits" from the FDA.

How to Prevent or Reduce Your Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Don't have sex. The best way to prevent STIs is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Be faithful. Have sex with one partner who has been tested for STIs and is not infected. Be faithful to each other, meaning that you only have sex with each other and no one else.

Use condoms. Protect yourself with a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Have regular pelvic exams and ask your doctor to test you for STIs. The sooner an STI is found, the easier it is to treat.

Additional Resources

Publications

Age Page: Sexuality in Later Life — This brochure describes the normal physical changes in men and women that come with age. It also discusses the effects of illness, disability, and emotional concerns of sexuality in later life.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/sexuality.htm

Fact Sheet — Sexually Transmitted Infections: Overview — This fact sheet explains in clear language what a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is and why STIs are especially harmful to women. It lists common STIs and their symptoms, describes the process of testing for STIs, and explains how women can protect themselves from getting an STI. This fact sheet also provides a list of resources that offer more information on STIs.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/sexually-transmitted-infections.cfm

HIV, AIDS, and Older People — This publication explains what HIV is, how it is spread, how it is treated, why it is increasing among older adults, and how it affects them.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hiv-aids.htm

Pap Test for Older Women — As an older woman, this page can provide you with answers to commonly asked questions from older women about Pap tests, HPV, and the Medicare benefit for Pap test screening.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pap-tests-older-women

How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Copyright © ACOG) — This pamphlet will tell how to lower chances of getting STDs. The doctor can give you more details about the diseases described here?their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. By knowing the facts and taking certain safeguards, patients can protect their health from the serious problems that can occur with these diseases.

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp009.cfm

Sex After 50: How to Hold on to the Passion (Copyright © MFMER) — This publication explains the physical and psychological changes that can affect sexual function as you age and how you can improve your sex life as you grow older.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HA00035

STIs: Learn How to Protect Yourself (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This online publication provides information on how to protect yourself from getting a sexually transmitted infection.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/teens/sexuality/275.html

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.