Sexually Transmitted Infections - A Concern for Menopausal Women
- Dr. Rochelle Bernstein
- Oct 30, 2023
- 5 min read
Although menopausal women no longer need to worry about unwanted pregnancy, the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains. STIs are infections spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex, genital touching, oral sex, or manual sex. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The eight most common STIs include four curable infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas) and four that are treatable but incurable (hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papilloma virus (HPV)). Couples who engage in penetrative sex have a higher risk of STIs than those who do not. Same-sex female couples have even lower risk, but some risk exists with any sexual contact.
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