Modern medicine and social media have made it possible for the elderly to easily hook-up these days. Especially with erectile dysfunction medicine readily available, the old folks are bumpin' uglies on the reg. And they are also increasing their STD infection rate.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) does not hinder most people’s sexual activity, as it is something that is now treatable, with drugs like Viagra and Cialis.  Social media platforms are used more frequently now than ever to find not only companionship, but also potential sexual partners among the over the hill population.  This is especially prevalent among those that are not as mobile as they once were in their prime.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STDs are more rampant than they once were among our elders.  Chlamydia and Syphilis cases among adults age 45 to 64 tripled between 2000 and 2010.  Also, areas of the country that are more densely populated by retirees are seeing STD/STI rates rise dramatically.

No matter what age you are, you are not immune from STD/STIs or any disease for that matter.  If you can catch an STD/STI from sharing a lipstick, or getting a kiss from your parent or grandparent, it is super important to practice safer-sex by implementing the use of a condom every time you have sex.   Post menopausal women are actually more prone to getting STD/STIs than young women, probably because their immune systems have weakened over time.  The CDC has also reported that about 20-25 percent of people are not aware they are HIV positive.

No matter what age you are, it is super important and dire to talk about you and your partner’s sexual well-being and health, and general sexual history.   It is a pertinent conversation to have as you and your partner’s life and reproductive systems depend on it (as many STD/STIs are symptomless).

Questions to ASK Before Having Sex with your Partner: 

• Do you practice safe-sex, using a condom every single time you engage in sexual intercourse?

• When you were last tested for STD/STIs and what did it test for?

• How often do you get tested?

• Have you ever tested positive for a STD/STI?

• Do you currently have an STD/STI or are you experiencing a flare up?

• If you had an STD/STI in the past, was it properly treated under the care of a physician?

• If you were treated for an STD/STI, was it curable with antibiotics?

• Do you have an STD/STI that is treatable but not curable, such as Herpes Simplex I/II?  What is your treatment program?

• Have you ever engaged in any sexual activity with a partner who was HIV positive or had any other STD/STI whether you were aware of it in the moment, or notified after the fact?

These are some questions to live by prior to entering into a sexual relationship with anyone, young or old.  They are vital if you plan to live a long, healthy life or plan to bear children.  Make it your top priority to ask your partner these questions, get tested regularly by your general practitioner or at your local health clinic (at least once a year), and always wear a condom during intercourse, and a dental dam during oral sex.