STD’s & HIV in Our Elderly

STD’s & HIV in Our Elderly

Lets have sex! That got your attention. I hope that wasn’t to much of a gotcha getter.  We aren’t going to do that. But, lets talk about who is having sex. Humans are having sex! Humans younger than we would like to consider are having sex; our elder generation is having sex; and every age group in-between is having sex. 

However there is a sleeper group out of that bunch that  society tends be naively inattentive too that are having (unprotected) sex and is paying a price for it. That group is our elderly citizens. 

STD’s and HIV rates are on the rise inside this group and the trend is not getting the recognition it deserves. The thought of people over 54 having sex just isn’t present. You don’t see it on the big screen or in advertisements. Magazines do not use elder adults to promote sexual products or discuss sexual matters. So the idea becomes subconsciously a taboo, a reality that isn’t really happening. And if it is happening then we think- they are adults, they know what they are doing. So, it is ok, let them be. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Most people in the baby boomer generation and beyond are not properly (healthfully) sexually educated.

Their age group did not grow up with the same vigorous sex-ed campaigns, the warnings of the dangers of unprotected sex, as their children and grandchildren have. They also, have the idea that at “my age” “he” or “she” who  are potential partners are safe and they aren’t a carrier of some STD. They tend to let their guard down because they are post child bearing age and condoms aren’t considered a big necessity. Women’s vaginal wall also thins out as they age which can lead to easier tearing and open wounds from sexual encounters that are susceptible to STD’s. 

It is hard to consciously act in a responsible manner that makes you feel as though you may be acting authoritatively towards your elder. They are our parents and grandparents and for many people it is difficult to turn on parental characteristics to those who have raised you, mentored and guided you. The issue goes beyond personal relationships between parent and adult children, even medical professionals have a difficult time asking “intruding” questions about elderly people’s sex life. Medical professionals also tend to sometimes misdiagnose a sign and symptom because the sex life factor doesn’t come up in an medical screening. Where as a young person will be asked about there sex life during a medical screen and certain conditions readily attached to unsafe sex acts, the same isn’t so certain for our elderly population.  

Thankfully the CDC is trying to implement change in this practice and it is being…

 “addressed by the new CDC screening guidelines which, among other things, recommend that health care providers screen all patients between the ages of 13 and 64 for HIV as part of their regular visits.”  (https://www.verywellhealth.com/stds-the-elderly-3133189)

The CDC is also giving more support to local health departments to increase prevention intervention, increase support and technical assistance, increasing antiretroviral therapy for older Americans, allotting $130 million dollars over 5 years on train and assistance to communities and health departments. 

On a personal action, you can make sure you are adept in what is and what isn’t safe sex. Make sure you are open and specific with your medical doctor. Don’t worry about what you reveal to your doctor- they have seen and heard a lot. You probably won’t be the one that drops a revelation on them. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a friendly reminder with recommendations. It is not medical advice, direction or prescription of any sort. Please refer to professional services for any health-related questions, concerns and relief.