A Valentine’s Guide For Sexually Active People Aged 55+

Most people, regardless of their age, feel comfortable talking about health topics like smoking, diet, and exercise, but when it comes to sex, it is rarely discussed among people over 40 years old. Sexual health is a matter of common interest at all ages, and it needs to share the spotlight as people get older. In England, data published in 2022 showed a 22% increase in sexually transmitted disease (STDs) cases among people aged 45 and older between 2014 and 2019. According to data from the CDC, cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the USA among sexually active people aged 55 and older more than doubled between 2012 and 2022. Over this decade, syphilis cases in sexually active people aged 55 and older increased sevenfold, while gonorrhea cases grew nearly fivefold and chlamydia cases more than tripled.

So, why the increase for sexually active people aged 55  and over? While the exact reason isn’t explicitly clear, there are some theories, including an uptick in the use of libido-boosting medications without a concomitant boost in the levels of sex education. Couple this with the fact that we are living longer than ever; sex is no longer just a young person’s game. While this is great, safe sex is a practice that must be maintained regardless of age.

What is contributing to the rise of STDs in sexually active people aged 55+?

Older adults who are sexually active can get STDs, just like anyone else. Yet the situation is more complicated than it seems. Many factors like biology, psychology, culture, and society explain why older people are at increased risk.

As people age, their health can change, and their immune systems may not work as well as before. This makes it harder to fight infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. 

Prevention and awareness programs often ignore older adults. As people live longer and more couples end up getting divorced, older adults are more likely to have new partners. However, many in this age group, being past childbearing age, don’t bother to use protection, like condoms, and are less likely to get tested for STDs.

In general, most efforts to prevent STDs focus on younger people and older adults are often left out of these programs. Many healthcare providers also overlook the fact that older adults can be sexually active. Doctors are often hesitant to ask older patients about their sexual activity, and older individuals are usually uncomfortable discussing their sex lives with others, including family or friends.

This lack of awareness means older people might not get enough information about sexual health, especially the risks of HIV, which didn’t even exist when they first became sexually active. 

Many older adults most likely also did not receive the same kind of sex education that teenagers are taught today. In the 1950s and 1960s, schools didn’t formally address sexual education, meaning that older adults may lack important knowledge about how STDs are transmitted, their symptoms, and ways to prevent them. 

Another possible factor is the availability of medications that can boost sexual performance and increase pleasure. For example, Viagra and Cialis. These medications might make it easier for older adults to engage in sexual activity without worrying about issues like erectile dysfunction or performance anxiety.

For women who may have experienced changes in their bodies due to menopause, hormone replacement therapies such as Vagifem and Estrace can help with vaginal dryness. This can make sex more enjoyable and comfortable.

Let’s talk about (safe) sex

A 2018 survey from the University of Michigan found that about 75% of adults aged 65 to 80 believe sex is an important part of a romantic relationship, no matter their age. Over half of those in relationships said they were sexually active. Men in this group were about four times more likely than women to say they were “very interested” or “extremely interested” in sex, challenging the notion that people want to stop having sex once they reach a certain age. So, let’s talk about how to go about that in the safest way possible.

Use protection

Protection against STDs is important at any age. STDs are not something we age out of. When it comes to men, that usually means using a condom. As women get older, vaginal dryness can develop as a result of hormonal changes, and using a lubricant can help a lot. However, if using condoms, there’s something to keep in mind. Oil-based lubricant, which many women like after menopause, doesn’t work well with condoms and can cause them to damage or break. It’s better to use water-based lube instead. 

However, condoms can’t protect against all sorts of sexual activity. STDs like herpes can still be passed through oral sex or other types of contact. Talk to a doctor about how to stay safe from STDs when condoms aren’t an option.

Talk to partner/s

Before entering into a sexual relationship with a partner, talk about things like past STDs, previous sexual partners, and whether you want to use condoms. Consider other parts of physical safety and chat about sexual positions. For example, if someone has an arthritic knee or a hip replacement, certain positions might not work for them.

Get tested

It’s important for anyone who is sexually active to get tested for STDs, regardless of their age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a great website called GetTested, which provides information on testing centers in the USA. Alternatively, have an open conversation with a doctor about performing an STD screen.

Preparations for Sexually Active People Aged 55!

Being prepared makes it easier to practice safe sex. During casual or unplanned encounters, the best way to stay safe is to meet someone you trust, take time to talk about boundaries, and always bring protection.

I’ve been exposed to an STD. What now?

Sometimes, no matter how prepared one is, accidents can happen. A faulty or broken condom or a lack of preparedness might signal the need for a trip to the clinic for an STD screen. Depending on the results, different treatments may be recommended. These days, there are very effective treatment options available for STDs. For example, Flagyl, an antibiotic for bacterial vaginosis, Vibramycin for chlamydia, or Aldara cream for genital warts.

HIV can be prevented with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a pill designed to reduce the risk of infection for those at high risk. While PrEP is effective at preventing HIV, it doesn’t protect against other STDs. There are different dosing options depending on individual needs. For example, a PrEP pill like Truvada is typically taken daily. It’s important to consult a doctor to determine the best PrEP plan for your situation.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), like Viread, is a treatment that helps prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus. For maximum effectiveness, PEP should be started immediately and not later than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure. It can be prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a sexual health clinic or hospital emergency room.

Everyone, no matter their age, has the right to intimacy. It is a fundamental aspect of human connection and well-being. By addressing stigmas around STDs in older adults and fostering open conversations, we can create an environment where individuals are safe and supported. So, enjoy this Valentine’s Day while being sure to stay safe!

FAQs

How does aging affect women’s sex drive?

Women going through perimenopause or postmenopause often face symptoms like hot flashes and anxiety, which can reduce their interest in sex. Aging also plays a significant role in how we view ourselves sexually, and poor body image can harm self-confidence, ultimately decreasing libido.

At what age do men stop ejaculating?

There is no universal age at which men stop ejaculating. Some men can ejaculate throughout their entire lives, while others may encounter challenges at different stages.

How to increase a woman’s sex drive during menopause?

Partners can focus on enhancing intimacy by dedicating more time to foreplay. For those open to exploring new options, incorporating sex toys or engaging in fantasies can reignite sexual desire. The use of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers may also be beneficial, as these products can help alleviate symptoms like vaginal dryness.

What’s the oldest age a woman can get pregnant?

While there isn’t a specific age limit for natural conception, fertility naturally decreases as she ages, and she is generally considered as past childbearing age once she has entered menopause.

Do condoms expire?

Condoms have an expiration date. When stored correctly, most male condoms can last between three to five years, depending on the brand and guidelines. Female barrier methods, on the other hand, are designed to remain usable for up to five years. Check the packaging for specific details.