Do you need condoms after 50 years of age? Everyone should know about this!
Most people over 50 do not consider using condoms necessary. They are convinced that STIs no longer threaten them with unwanted pregnancy. The survey showed that 32% of women and 12% of men think so. And they”re almost right. Almost.
Contents of the article:
Age and infections
Indeed, young age is one of the key risk factors for contracting syphilis, HoD, chlamydia, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) and other types of punishment from heaven for not following safety rules.
Also, do not forget about unprotected intimacy — the most egregious diagnosis received after HIV. The risk of developing all these diseases decreases significantly after age 50. In the past, researchers believed the risk was reduced by 90% compared to ages 20 to 30.
Another reason why people are hesitant to use condoms after the age of 50 is that in addition to traditional vaginal penetration, they engage in various types of sex. Older women experience menopausal changes. Namely: vaginal dryness and atrophy.
All this makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable even when using lubricants. As a result, older couples who are still interested in sex prefer to engage in intimacy without intercourse. They prefer massage, oral sex (by the way, even adults, not forgetting about herpes and other diseases) and the use of toys.
You still need a condom. And timely analyzes too
However, doctors and workers in social and medical institutions in all civilized countries insist on the use of condoms at any age. It was recently discovered that when people over the age of 50 become more sexually active, rates of sexually transmitted diseases increase significantly in this age category.
Since 2005, the risk of syphilis among older adults has increased by 67%. Chlamydia — 40%. Venereologists and sexologists recommend that everyone who has sex use a condom every time. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly get tested for STDs.
Read also: 21 mistakes when using a condom that everyone makes without exception
I repeat that advertised condoms are the most popular form of contraception, providing 99% protection. Where did the questions about pregnancy come from?
Open dialogue is the key to security. Or not?
However, surprisingly, even among adults, some people are hardly ready to have sex with someone they know. At a minimum, this is fraught with serious consequences in the form of possible infection. Therefore, not using condoms is more than unreasonable.
Some people believe that if a person finds out what his intimate life is like within a week or two, it will help protect him from infection. However, this strategy does not always work. The fact is that few people share their sexual experiences and report the true number of past lovers. Especially when it comes to the reasonable life of those over 40-50 years old.
Group announcement — Olya and speed
Ideally, the best thing you can do before having sex for the first time at this age is to go to the clinic together to get tested. This can be done for free. At the end of the day, health and life should always be at the top of the list of priorities. Be especially vigilant when people insist that there is no need to get tested. “Why? Don”t you trust me?” says the person who is actually the carrier of the “bouquet” of the disease.
Skin diseases: when even a condom won”t help
This approach is important in light of the fact that some sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted even through the use of condoms. These infections include skin diseases caused by human papilloma (HPV).
This virus affects the entire skin of the genital organs. Since condoms only cover the penis, infection is still inevitable due to friction in other places. HPV is an unpleasant disease that leads to the appearance of warts on the genitals. In addition, it increases the risk of developing cervical and prostate cancer.
AIDS that never sleeps — even after 50 years
Finally, it is worth mentioning HIV. In this case, condoms can certainly prevent infection. HIV is very rarely transmitted through oral sex unless there are bleeding areas or sores in the mouth. However, this is not yet a reason to enter into a close relationship with a stranger. After all, the risk of transmitting infection in one way or another still exists. Therefore, the best option would be to get ahead of the health of your future lover and offer him such guarantees.
