8. SEX PANEL
“It should come as no surprise that STDs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HIV, can be present in a menopausal woman who might find herself suddenly single and with a new sexual partner. It’s actually not uncommon to find a positive result! Condoms remain a must in this population. Although you might not be able to get pregnant after menopause, STDs are transmissible. Women and men also might engage in more oral pleasure as they age, due to vaginal dryness, sexual pain and erectile issues. Oral cold sores, caused by a herpes virus, can most certainly be transmitted through oral genital contact.
“I recommend using condoms until both parties are tested for STDs. It’s not being judgemental. It’s being realistic.”