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Sexual health

• More information on sexual health

Many older women desire and enjoy an active sex life. For some women, the freedom from the hassle of monthly periods and worries about pregnancy help them enjoy sex more than ever after menopause. But for other women, physical changes, illness, disabilities, and some medicines make sex painful, difficult, or hard to enjoy.

Older women also need to know about threats to sexual health and protective steps to take. For instance, older women (and men) sometimes don't think that they could be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, and HIV. This is not true. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 persons living with HIV/AIDS in the United States is 50 or older. Yet, there are many ways to lower the risk of getting an STI, including HIV. Read on to learn more about sexuality and sexual health.

• Sexual difficulties
• Protecting yourself

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More information on sexual health

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheet — This fact sheet explains what a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is and why STIs are especially harmful to women. It lists common STIs and their symptoms.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/sexually-transmitted-infections.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• Age Page: Sexuality in Later Life — This brochure describes the normal physical changes in men and women that come with age. It also discusses the effects of illness, disability, and emotional concerns of sexuality in later life.
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/sexuality.htm
• Fast Facts for Your Health: Sex & Intimacy After Menopause (Copyright © National Women's Health Resource Center) — Your sex life does not have to end with menopause. This fact sheet discusses the changes you may experience as you go through menopause, how you can optimize your sex life, and related topics you may want to discuss with your doctor.
  http://www.healthywomen.org/content/publication/fast-facts-your-health-sex-intimacy-after-menopause
• Sexual Health and Aging: Keep the Passion Alive (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication explains the physical and psychological changes that can affect sexual function as you age and how you can improve your sex life as you grow older.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HA00035

Connect with other organizations

• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
  http://www.aasect.org/
• National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/
• Office of Women's Health, OD, CDC, HHS
  http://www.cdc.gov/women/
• Sex and a Healthier You
  http://www.sexandahealthieryou.org/sex-health/index.html
• The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
  http://www.healthinaging.org/

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2010.

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