Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are becoming a common problem among retired (older) individuals. Why is an STD a concern at this age?
Medical progress (viagra, progesterone and estrogen creams) and advances in technology (social media, online dating) have changed lives of the older generation. And according to a survey, 73% of men and women at the age of 57 to 64 are sexually active and at the same time less likely to use condoms.
A woman over 50-years-old is at a greater risk for STDs with postmenopausal vaginal wall thinning than when she was younger. And aging makes both men and women prone to getting infections due to a weakening immune system.
In addition, many of STDs are asymptomatic for long periods and can be often left untreated. First, sometimes healthcare workers assume that older persons are not sexually active and at risk for an STD. And second, patients concentrate on common age-related health issues, neglecting sexual health discussion with physicians.
Watch out for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both of them are caused by bacterial infection. Many people don`t usually have any symptoms. So you may not realize that you have it. Infected people who have no symptoms can still pass the disease to others.
You might suspect these sexually transmitted diseases when you have the following symptoms in women: abnormal vaginal discharge that may have a strong smell, a burning sensation when urinating and pain during intercourse or pelvic pain. Symptoms in men include discharge from your penis, a burning sensation when urinating, burning or itching around the opening of your penis and you might experience pain and swelling in one or both testicles.
What you can do?
- Consider getting tested first
It`s the best way to know if you or your partner sexual health. It is important as not all people have symptoms when infected with sexually transmitted diseases. Also some symptoms, such as fatigue, abdominal pain and fever can be mistaken for age-related health problems.
- Use a condom and lubricant every time you have sex
Condoms cover the penis and water-based lubricants help moisten the vagina lining to reduce the risk of infection.
- Address your concerns, ask your dermatologist today!
Your dermatologist can offer additional information about protecting yourself from STDs and effective treatments for vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction. It is anonymous and quick with the use of our First Derm mobile application.
Written by Anna Vinogradova
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Sexually transmitted diseases are becoming a common problem among retired individuals.
Longevity, medical progress in sexual health and advances in technology have improved the quality of life, as we get older. However, hormonal changes and weakening immune system put us at risk of getting sexually transmitted infections when having unprotected sexual intercourse.
What you can do?
- Consider getting tested first.
- Use a condom and lubricant every time you have sex.
- Address your concerns, ask your dermatologist today!
Links:
survey link (the New England Journal of Medicine)
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa067423
condom use (2010 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior)
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The Specialist doctor from the University Hospital in Gothenburg, alumnus UC Berkeley. My doctoral dissertation is about Digital Health and I have published 5 scientific articles in teledermatology and artificial intelligence and others.
