Safe sex after age 50: prevent infectious diseases

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Specialist in Obstetrics - Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
The need for sex is a basic human need. For some older people, sex life continues as a necessity of life. Aging will affect physical problems, health and some hormonal changes. However, older adults can still adapt to these changes to live a healthy, safe sex life and prevent some STIs.

1. Body changes related to sexual desire in the elderly

Normal aging brings about physical changes in both men and women. These changes sometimes affect sexual responsiveness and satisfaction.
In women, it is often easy to notice changes in the vagina as they age. The vagina can shorten and narrow due to lack of sex hormones. The vaginal wall may become thinner and less elastic. Most women will experience reduced vaginal discharge, a feeling of dryness, and it may take longer to stimulate natural discharge. These changes can limit sexual activity such as difficulty in vaginal intercourse causing pain or decreased libido.
If vaginal dryness occurs, you can use lubricating gel or lubricating condoms that can help reduce this. In some women who are taking hormone replacement therapy to treat hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms, these women may need to have sex more often because of the additional hormones. genital. Vaginal dryness is a common condition in the elderly.

In men, the incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with age. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and maintain an erection of the penis. This condition can cause men to take longer to achieve an erection. The erection may not be as hard or the penis size may not be as large as it used to be. Loss of an erection after orgasm may happen more quickly, or it may take longer before an erection can return.

2. Sexual transmission of diseases in the elderly

Many older adults continue to be sexually active throughout life. In fact, 73% of people aged 57 to 64 and 53% of those aged 65 to 74 are sexually active. Some of the benefits that are associated with sexual activity in late adulthood include increased quality of life and the maintenance of healthy personal relationships.
But age does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Older adults who are sexually active may be at increased risk for diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomoniasis.
The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains an issue of concern in the elderly population. Older adults often have limited knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. These are people who are less likely to practice safe sex than younger people, who are more susceptible to STIs.

Almost anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting HIV. The number of elderly people living with HIV/AIDS is increasing. You are at risk for HIV/AIDS if either partner has multiple sex partners, has unprotected sex, or if you share needles.
Indeed, the number of people aged 50 years and older living with HIV/AIDS has increased in recent decades, accounting for 15% of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses and is likely to continue to increase because of aging growing population. In recent years, cases of chlamydia (a sexually transmitted disease) have increased by 31% in people 65 years of age and older, while syphilis has increased by 52%.
To protect yourself, always use a condom when having sex that involves the vagina or anus.

3. Causes of increasing STIs in the elderly

One of the main causes is the lack of understanding about safe sex practices among older people. In addition, there are some motivating factors such as:
Not afraid of pregnancy, therefore not using condoms A lot of free time, as most seniors are retired In this age the rate widowers or widowers higher than other age groups Lack of understanding about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases. Older people are more likely to develop complex diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and an aging immune system. STDs are also known to cause severe gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms and put additional stress on the immune system. Syphilis, if left untreated, can cause a secondary infection in the brain or heart that can be fatal.
In these subjects, there is shyness and shame when having sexually transmitted diseases, so the opportunity to be examined and treated is less. This can lead to serious complications.

4. Some other problems that interfere with sex in the elderly

There are things you can do yourself to make your sex life active and enjoyable. If you are in a long-term relationship, take the time to enjoy each other and to understand the changes both of you are facing.
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor if you have problems affecting your sex life. Your doctor can recommend a treatment to help you with your problem. For example, the most common sexual difficulties experienced by older women is painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend using a vaginal lubricant or vaginal moisturizer. Lubricants are useful when needed to make sex more comfortable. Moisturizer is used on a regular basis, every 2 or 3 days. Or, your doctor may also recommend supplemental therapy with a form of vaginal estrogen, which can help improve symptoms during sex.
In men, erectile dysfunction can be a common problem. This condition can be treated and even reversed with medication or other treatments. Using medication is an effective method to help improve erectile dysfunction. However, if you have a heart condition and are taking medications that contain nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, you should consult your doctor about this. Ideally, you should consult a specialist on this issue to help you improve erectile function in the best way. Be wary of supplements or herbs advertised to treat erectile dysfunction. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements.

5. Safe sex among older people

5.1. Health check for sexually transmitted diseases.

Information about the status of sexually transmitted diseases before having sex is extremely necessary. All types of sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) can spread these infections.
Before having sex, check your partner's penis or vaginal area for sores, unusual discharge, or a bad odor. Because these can be signs that your partner may be suffering from sexually transmitted diseases.
The best way to protect yourself and your partner is to both get tested for HIV and other STIs before you start having sex. A person can have an STI and not know it because the symptoms are not obvious. And some symptoms of an STI or HIV, such as fatigue, can be confused with age-related health problems.

5.2. Use condoms and lubricants

Use a condom and lubricant every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex, including during foreplay, until information is known about your health status, STI status or infection. .
Using a lubricant can reduce the chance of pain or damage during sex on the penis or inside the vagina. These sores and wounds can increase your risk of getting an STI. Do not use Vaseline or mineral oil with condoms as it destroys the lining of the condom. Put the condom on after the penis is erect, leaving a 1/2 inch gap at the tip. Do not use the same condom twice and do not use an expired condom.

5.3. Consult with your doctor about problems related to sex.

If you have any problems with sex, you should consult a sex specialist so that problems can be detected and treated early. This helps you have a safe sex life and improve your quality of life.
In order to help customers detect and treat gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of basic gynecological examination and screening, helping customers detect early infectious diseases and help treat Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: webmd.com, nia.nih.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov