More Ugly Truth

Figure 3 AIDS Ribbon

The name says it all, and the threat of

contagion still evokes fear. AIDS is caused by
the HIV virus, which weakens a persons
ability to fight infections. Individuals who
are infected with STDs are at least two to
five times more likely than uninfected
individuals to acquire HIV infection if they
are exposed to the virus through sexual
contact.

Figure 4 Genital wart caused by HPV

Genital warts are caused by HPV, human

papillomavirus, which commonly affect the
genitals of men and women, but can also
affect the throat and mouth. There are over
40 types of HPV and it is possible to have the
virus and spread it without knowledge.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all
sexually transmitted diseases, but a review
of some of the most prevalent, along with
genital herpes, gonorrhea and pubic lice.

An Ounce of
Prevention
When it comes to the subject of sexually
transmitted diseases across the population,
an ounce of prevention is worth more than a
pound of cure. It can preserve the quality of
life, and even save a life. What can you do
to protect yourself and combat the
contagion of dangerous love?
1. Be informed.
2. Get screened immediately. You may
already be infected without knowing it.
3. Talk to your doctor if youre ready to
take your relationship to the next level.
4. Practice safe sexUse a condom.
5. Dont have multiple sex partners. Insist
upon an exclusive relationship.
6. Know how physical maturity affects your
body and increases your risk of infection.
7. Talk to your partner. Discuss your
concerns about safe sex. It takes two to
tango, and two to prevent the spread of
an unwanted disease.
8. Share intimacy through cuddling, handholding, and massage.
9. Talk to your friends. Spread the word
about the importance of safe sex and the
dangers of unprotected sex among
mature adults.
10. Visit your local library or search the web
for more information.

Now Showing

STDs and
Older Adults

For Mature

Sexually Active
Audiences

Whos at Risk?
You are! If youre a sexually active person
having sex without a condom, or actively
sharing the love with more than one
partner, youre at risk of contracting a
sexually transmitted disease. HIV/AIDS,
syphilis, chlamydia and HPV (human
papillomavirus) arent just for sexually
active young adults. Diseases dont
discriminate, and they certainly dont
know to respect their elders! Age,
wisdom and life experience wont render
mature adults immune to the pain,
humiliation
and
shame
sexually
transmitted diseases can bring.
Medical studies and current literature
have focused primarily on sexually active
teens and young adults, while the rate of
STDs in older adults continues to rise.
Alarmingly,
the rate of sexually
transmitted diseases has more than
doubled among middle-aged adults and
the elderly over the last decade. Why the
increase? The exact reasons are unclear,
but may be attributed to a number of
factors. Read on to learn more about
common sexually transmitted infections
among older adults and explore possible
causes and solutions.

Surprising Facts

A recent report published in the

Annals of Internal Medicine revealed
that men who used erectile
dysfunction drugs were
approximately 1 times more likely
to have an STD than non-users.

A survey conducted for AARP in 2009

showed a "wretchedly low use of
condoms" by people older than 45.

For older Americans, pregnancy is not

a concern, and they're simply less
aware of the risks of having
unprotected sex. Older Americans
often find themselves unexpectedly
back in the dating game after divorce
or the death of a spouse, and are
often unaware of the risk prevalent
in the current dating world.

Physiological changes occur in older

adults that affect sexual functioning
and can increase vulnerability to STDs
and HIV/AIDS, i.e. thinner vaginal
walls due to menopause can increase
the risk of viral entry.

The aging immune system may not

suppress viruses efficiently. Also,
older adults have a higher risk of
adverse events and drug toxicity,
than younger individuals being
treated with the same drugs.

Name

The Ugly Truth

From 2005 to 2009, the number of
reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia
among those 55 and older increased 43
percent, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. HIV/AIDS
and HPV are two treatable but incurable
viruses that have captured the spotlight
in recent decades.

Figure 1 Syphilis Sore

Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with

syphilis sores. Sores occur mainly on the
external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the
rectum, but can also occur on the lips and in
the mouth. Syphilis can be transmitted during
vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.

Figure 2 Result of untreated Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported

STD in the U.S. Most infected people have no
symptoms, but chlamydia can lead to serious
complications if left untreated.