Slide 1: Protect Yourself and Your Partner Against HIV
How to talk to intimate partners about HIV
Slide 2: Important Changes During Middle Age
Regardless of what people might think, many women over 50 are interested in sexual relationships. Middle age could involve new relationships and intimate partners, which means you need to protect yourself and your partners against HIV.
1 in 3 women between the ages of 50 and 64 do not have a stable romantic relationship.
Slide 3: Recognizing HIV-Related Risks
It is important to note that you can contract an STD, including HIV, at any age.
Women over 50 are one of the fastest-growing groups in terms of new HIV infections. Your protection is essential.
Slide 4: The First Step is Sharing Information
Before being physically intimate with a new partner, share your expectations.
Questions to ask:
– What are your safe sex practices?
– Have you been tested for STDs?
Treat previous partners or individuals with whom you have intermittent relationships as if they were new partners. Don’t let familiarity be a barrier to your safety.
Slide 5: Tips for Starting Conversations
Explain your method.
For example: “I get tested regularly and always use condoms.”
Being honest about your safe sex practices can help your partner feel connected rather than accused, and invite them to speak openly as well.
Slides 6 and 7: Dispel Defensive Behavior
Conversations about safe sex or STDs can make your partner defensive. Ways to make your partner feel comfortable:
- Provide factual information
- Answer questions
- Offer the option of visiting a clinic together for STD testing
- Get tested yourself
If the conversation is not going well, you can take a break, temporarily leave the topic, follow up later, and assess whether it is worth maintaining this relationship.
Slide 8: Protected Sex is Part of Self-care
Use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams.
Consider taking PrEP, a medicine that can prevent HIV infection.
Inquire about PEP if you have unprotected sex.
Slide 9: Disclose Your HIV Status
If you are a woman living with HIV, conversations about sex can be challenging. Set your own timelines and practice what you preach.
In some states, the law requires you to disclose if you have HIV before engaging in sexual activity.
Slide 10: Satisfying and Protected Sexuality
Midlife can be full of new experiences and great connections. There may be awkward moments when talking about HIV, but those conversations are worth it for a satisfying and protected sex life now and in the years to come.
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Merck.
