Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What you need to know about STDs after 50

Older generations are often given less credit for being aware of sexually transmitted diseases than younger. There are many reasons for this - for a lot of us, it is usually because we have been with the same partner for a long time and don’t think it’s possible to contract these types of diseases unless our partner has it. The fact of the matter is that seniors are just as much at risk as anyone else, especially if they are seniors dating or entering new relationships. There are many different types of STDs, including HIV and AIDS, that are quite common among older people. This is why, no matter your age, it is always best to consult your doctor or medical health professional to get tested for STDs.

If you’re interested in getting more information to protect yourself from STDs, here are a few ideas on where to start:

• First, talk to your partner. If you have or have ever had an STD you will want to make sure to inform your partner. The best thing you can do is be honest, because lying to your partner could put him or her at risk of contracting the disease. On the flip side, you should also encourage your partner to get tested, even if he or she assures you it’s unnecessary. It’s the only way you can truly know if you are putting yourself at risk.
• Get regular tests. It’s important to get tested regularly in order to catch any potential problems early. The fact of the matter is there are plenty of STDs that can be contracted through interaction that would not be considered sexual, and there is also the possibility that a disease you had in the past will return. Again, this is why it’s crucial to inform your partner of your sexual history and any conditions you may have suffered from in the past.

If you are interested in learning more about sexually transmitted diseases, be sure to consult your doctor or medical health professional. He or she will be able to provide you with answers to questions and tips for keeping yourself safe, while also keeping you up to date on the latest advancements for testing and treating sexually transmitted diseases.