Autumn Sex: Enjoy Yourself Safely

Ah, fall. The light is mellow, the nights are cooler and maybe you’re sidling up to a new fall lover. Pack your condoms, no matter what age you are. HIV can be more of a concern for post-menopausal women than you’d think. Spotty safer sex information, the perils of dating and a changing body can put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you might not have expected.  

 If you’re post menopausal and your sex partners tend to be men, you can stop worrying about birth control, but no matter who you have sex with, be safe. Don’t assume a mature partner means no risk. Canadian stats from 2002 show that people aged 50 or older are not invulnerable: 27% of positive HIV tests were credited to heterosexual contact (I do bicker with that term, but it’s all I have here), so talk about your activities and consider testing together.

Heterosexual intercourse is more risky for women than men at the best of times. Hormonal changes post menopause mean drier, less pliable vaginal tissue that can be easily torn during sex, providing a transmission point for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Lube up for comfort and safety.

If you’re fresh out of a long term relationship or marriage in which you were monogamous, you may wonder about how sex will be with someone new. Have fun- explore some ideas,  refresh your memory about STIs. Besides the obvious of safer sex, think about how you want to be with a new lover. This is your chance to express yourself anew: there are lots of ways to be sensual and sexual together. A note of caution: if you’re meeting dates on the internet, be aware that people can misrepresent themselves online. However, love is certainly a possibility- check out Sidney’s story.  

No matter your age, sex and sensuality are ageless. Enjoy yourself, be safe, enjoy the long nights of fall ….

- Janet

This was posted on Friday, September 12th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Daily Moments, HIV Prevention, Spiritual and Emotional Health . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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