STD risk does not decrease after menopause

The idea that post-menopausal women are less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is nothing more than a myth, according to EmpowHer, an online women’s health resource.

Women who are experiencing menopause are not transitioning to a position of relative sexual safety, the website said. On the contrary, the risk of contracting an STD through sexual contact is the same for anyone.

Mature American women do not necessarily have less sex than their younger peers, either. The notion that sexual activity drops off as hormone levels decrease is another myth, the source said, and women often maintain a consistent level of sexual contact long after menopause.

The bottom line is that women and men of any age are at risk of being infected with STDs, the website concluded.

Older Americans may display a number of risky sexual beliefs and behaviors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include misperceiving how STDs spread, mistaking the symptoms of STDs for those of ailments common to the elderly and avoiding discussing sexual behavior with partners.

Individuals who believe they have contracted an STD may consider looking into online testing services, since screening is essential in preventing the spread of sexual disease.