(supervisor)
Later that week…
(graphics)
Heather and her friend are sitting on the couch at Heather’s house. Throughout the conversation, the two chatted, holding glasses of wine, eating snacks, and petting cats.
Friend: “Then tell me about your date!”
Heather: “It was okay. You know me. I’m not looking for anything serious. I just want to have fun getting back out there after my divorce. Dating at 56 has been an adventure so far.”
Friend: “And what about Brad? Are you still seeing him?”
Heather: “Feel free.”
Friend: “Wow, I totally live vicariously through you. And what are you doing to protect yourself? Are you still taking your meds?”
Heather: “No, I quit a few weeks ago. One of the great things about menopause is not having to worry about getting pregnant. Phew!”
Friend: “But what about sexually transmitted diseases?”
Heather: “I’m not really worried.”
Friend: “I don’t mean to be a creep to Netflix, but since I’m a nurse, I’d like to tell you that sexually transmitted diseases are actually on the rise. The number of people in their mid-50s and older has doubled in the last 10 years.”
Heather: “Really? Why?”
Friend: “Some of it is from people like you who get back together with a new partner after a divorce and feel like they no longer need protection. And menopause itself can make you more likely to get STIs.”
Heather: “Oh, wow. Menopause really is the gift that keeps on giving.”
(graphics)
Vaginal changes, such as loss of elasticity and dryness, can make it more prone to tearing and sexually transmitted diseases.
Friend: “Maybe you should get tested for HIV. Just to be safe.”
Heather: “That sounds scary.”
Friend: “It’s really just a simple blood test, but the unknown is much scarier, right?
Heather: “Maybe. Yeah.”
(super)
You can get tested for HIV at:
Your health care provider’s office
local health department
HIV testing clinic
Friend: “If you have HIV and get treatment, you can still live a long, healthy life. But if you ignore it, it can be life-threatening.”
Heather: “Thank you. You always give good advice. I will! I’ll find a spot tomorrow. Now let’s get to the main event of the evening. Turn on “Love Is Blind!”
