Real Solutions for Life's Problems

as seen in Timelesswoman.ca March 2009

Starting a new sexual relationship and think that you don't have to worry about safer sex practices? Think again! Safer sex is not just for young women who are concerned about getting pregnant, or worse getting HIV/AIDS. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections found that in the span of less than a decade the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had doubled among people 45 years of age and older. Statistics also show that HIV infection rates are growing faster among people 50 years of age and older, compared to individuals 40 and under. Generally, there is a tendency for generational women to assume they are not at risk. Although they may not know their partner very well, or their partner's sexual history, women assume they are safe because STIs are only supposed to affect the young. Sex gets even better as we age because of a lifetime of experience, and the key is to know the current risks.

The reasons why so many generational women are not using safer sex practices are complex. Psychologically, there may be deeply held beliefs that only "loose" women use protection. Using condoms, or other methods, can result in having to initiate some uncomfortable conversations with your potential lover. Moreover, many women (and men) simply do not believe they are at risk of contracting a STI. This is compounded by the fact that safer sex practices have likely not been a part of an generational woman's lifestyle, and education about the methods as well as pros and cons have never been properly communicated. These psychosexual factors are heightened by biological characteristics that make generational women at risk of being infected with a STI. After menopause, if women do not maintain an active sex life - whether alone or with a partner - the sexual organs begin to atrophy. Vaginal tissues start to thin and lubrication decreases. This in turn increases the risk of micro-tears during intercourse that make the transmission of a STI much easier. Another biological factor is the changing nature of the immune system in older people. As we age, our immune system functions less optimally, which can increase our risk of infection.

With over 60 percent of baby boomers having intercourse at least once per month, what can be done to protect yourself from STIs? First, I strongly encourage women to self pleasure several times a week. This will help you maintain a higher level of lubrication - remember, the more lubrication you have, the less likely you are to get micro-tears which help spread STIs. Second, use condoms! Condoms now come in a variety of materials, textures and thicknesses. If used correctly, condoms protect against a whole variety of STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Do not use condoms with Nonoxynol-9, as this chemical causes disruptions in the cell walls of the vagina, actually creating a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS! Third, if you do not produce enough lubrication on your own, use the artificial kind. Water-based or silicone are great and readily available at drug and grocery stores and adult boutiques. For further information on such products, check out www.drsex.ca. Fourth, ask your potential partner to get tested and share the results with you - noting he may ask you to do the same. Lastly, be observant and ask questions of your potential lover. I know it can be daunting to enter into the dating world anew after years of being in a committed, loving relationship. The goal is to have as much fun as possible, while maintaining your good health. So, know the risks and go and have great safer sex!