Ladies of all ages can get HIV — together with these over 50
- 1 in 4 individuals dwelling with HIV in the US is a lady.
- Greater than 1 in 2 new HIV diagnoses are in individuals above age 50.
Older ladies are extra seemingly than youthful ladies to be identified at a late stage of the illness — presumably as a result of they don’t know they’re in danger.
Later analysis of the illness will increase the danger of HIV-related diseases and dying from the illness.
How would possibly menopause have an effect on HIV threat?
Ladies over 50 nonetheless have intercourse.
In a latest research, 1 in 2 individuals over the age of fifty reported having intercourse within the final week. Since being pregnant is now not a problem for post-menopausal ladies, they might not take into consideration protected intercourse — or discuss it with their companions or suppliers.
This implies ladies could also be much less seemingly to make use of condoms to guard themselves from HIV and different sexually transmitted infections after menopause. However ladies in peri- and post-menopause could also be further weak to HIV an infection. Hormonal adjustments may cause vaginal thinning and dryness, leaving vaginal tissue inclined to ripping — which will increase the danger of HIV coming into the physique throughout intercourse.
Some older ladies (and their healthcare suppliers) chalk well being adjustments as much as menopause after they may very well be one thing else
For instance, night time sweats are a traditional menopause symptom — however they’re additionally frequent in individuals with HIV.
Stopping HIV by way of menopause and past
You’re by no means too outdated to guard your self from HIV. Begin with these proactive steps:
- Use a condom in case you’re unsure about your associate’s HIV standing.
- Get examined for HIV.
- Ask your HCP about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), medicine that may forestall HIV.
This instructional useful resource was created with assist from Merck.
