(graphics)
Heather, a woman in her late 60s, is on her phone when she sees a message on her dating app saying that someone she likes wants to meet her. He had a huge smile on his face as a speech bubble showing their conversation appeared.
Man: “Would you like to have dinner on Friday night?”
Heather: “It’s a date!”
(graphics)
Heather is dating. She and he are sitting together, with his arm around Heather’s shoulder.
Man: “Shall we go somewhere else?”
Heather: “Is it your house or mine?”
(supervisor)
A few days later…
(graphics)
Heather and her friend are sitting on the couch at Heather’s house. While talking, the two engage in activities such as holding glasses of wine, eating sandwiches, and petting cats.
Friend: “Tell me how your date went!”
Heather: “It was great. I wasn’t looking for anything serious. I just wanted to have fun and meet new people after my divorce. Dating at 56 was an adventure.”
Friend: “What happened to Brad? Are you still seeing him?”
Heather: “We meet casually.”
Friend: “Hey, I’m going through all this because of you. But what are you doing to protect yourself? Are you still taking birth control pills?”
Heather: “No, I stopped taking it a few weeks ago. The great thing about menopause is that I don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. I’m so glad I did!”
Friend: “And how do you protect yourself from STIs?”
Heather: “I’m not really worried about that.” Friend: “I don’t want to discourage you, but since I’m a nurse, I feel like I should tell you that the rate of STDs is going up. It’s doubled in the last 10 years for 50- and 60-year-olds.”
Heather: “Why?”
Friend: “Part of that is because people like you who date new partners after divorce don’t think they need any more protection. And menopause itself can make you more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases.”
Heather: “Wow, that’s amazing. Menopause is such a never-ending gift.”
(graphics)
Vaginal changes, such as loss of elasticity and dryness, can make you more prone to lacerations, which can make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases.
Friend: “Maybe you should get tested for HIV. Just to be safe.”
Heather: “That’s scary.”
Friend: “It’s a simple blood test. And isn’t it scarier not knowing your situation?
Heather: “I think so. You’re right.”
(super)
You can get tested for HIV at:
Your health care provider’s office
local public health department
HIV testing clinic
Friend: “I have AIDS. If I get treatment, I can live a long, healthy life. But if I ignore it, it can be fatal.”
Heather: “Thanks. You always give good advice. I’ll do it! I’ll find a spot tomorrow. Now let’s focus on tonight’s main event. Shall we watch ‘Love is Blind!’?”
