Senior Sexual Health

Awareness, Education, and Prevention

“We aim to We aim to equip the
senior population of Guilford County
with valuable and up-to-date sexual
health information to enable them to
lead healthier lives.“
Why is it important?
Although new information is forthcoming
regarding safer sexual health practices, seniors
age 60 and above are still contracting sexually
transmitted diseases (STD) at alarming rates.

Brief Summary
This pamphlet contains the latest sexual health
education and is specifically tailored for sen-
iors. It provides basic education, practices, and
also resources necessary for action.

Table of Contents
Contact us at:
The Department of Public Health Education
1. Overview 1
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro 2. Background 2
Location: 1408 Walker Avenue, 437 Coleman 3. Common Types of STD’s 2
Building, Greensboro, NC 27412 4. Using a Condom 2
Mailing Address: PO Box 26170, Greensboro,
5. STI vs. STD 3
NC 27402-6170
Telephone: 336.334.5532
6. Guide to Safe Sex 3
Fax: 336.256.1158 7. Resources and Services 4

Play It Safe, At Any Age.

1
 Background
Statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
 In 2017, nearly 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea
and syphilis were reported in the United States.

 That's the highest number ever recorded for these diseases.

 Adults 60+ diagnosis rates for herpes simplex, gonorrhea,

syphilis, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia rose 23
percent between 2014 and 2017.
 The increase is more prevalent in men than women, and
especially with men who have sex with men.
 HIV is spreading more quickly among older adults than any
other age group.

Common Types of STD’s Using a Condom

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when
there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This
changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) caused by infection with a
protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although
symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the
parasite cannot tell they are infected.

syphilis contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal,

or oral sex. Sores on or around the penis, vagina, or anus,
or in the rectum, on the lips, or in the mouth. Can cause
serious health problems if it is not treated.

Gonorrhea most often affects the urethra, rectum or

throat. In females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix.
Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during sex.

Genital herpes is caused by two types of viruses, herpes

simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type
2 (HSV-2). You can get herpes from a sex partner who
does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or
she is infected.

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Some

HPV types can lead to cancer. Men and women can get
cancer of mouth/ throat, and anus/rectum caused by HPV
infections. Men can also get penile HPV cancer.

2
 STI vs. STD
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection, while an STD is a sexually transmitted disease.
As the names imply, both are can be contracted through sexual acts. Although many
STIs can be easily treated, it is important to receive medical treatment for STIs, because
they can easily turn into STDs which may be more challenging to treat.
The three main STIs that later transform into STDs, when left untreated, is the human
papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. HPV can develop into cervical cancer
for women. While both gonorrhea and chlamydia can develop into the pelvic inflamma-
tory disease (PID).

Guide to Safe Sex: Everything You Need to Know

Do a background check
 Inquire about your partner’s sexual background before having oral, vaginal, or anal
sex. All types of sex can spread STDs. Talk about your sexual histories, and tell each
other whether you’ve ever been tested for STDs, what the results were, and whether
you’ve ever injected illegal drugs.
Consider getting tested first
 The best way to protect yourself and your partner is for the two of you to get tested
for HIV and other STDs before you start having sex. STDs don’t always cause obvious
symptoms. And some symptoms of STDs or HIV, such as fatigue, can be mistaken for
age-related health problems.
Use a condom and lubricant
 Use a condom and lubricant every time you have sex until you know your partner’s
sexual history and are in a sexually exclusive relationship. Water-based lubricants
such as K-Y Jelly are important because they can lower the chances of getting a sore
or tiny cut on the penis or inside the vagina. These sores and cuts can increase the
risk of getting STDs.
Talk to your healthcare provider
 Your healthcare provider can offer additional advice about protecting yourself from
STDs. They can also recommend treatments for common sexual problems such as
vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction (ED). Though ED is more common with age,
it isn’t an inevitable part of growing older. Rather, it’s often due to underlying medi-
cal or emotional problems such as heart disease or diabetes, medication side effects,
or anxiety.

3
 Resources and Services Available
How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases: www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/
Which STD Tests Should I Get? www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
Testing sites near you: www.gettested.cdc.gov
 Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Greensboro Health Center - Low Cost Services
1704 Battleground Ave Greensboro, North Carolina 27408
(336) 373-0678
 Nia Community Action Center Self Help Building - Free STD/HIV Test
122 N Elm St Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
(336) 617-7722
 Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency - Free STD/HIV Test
1102 E Market St Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
(336) 274-1507
 Guilford County Health Department STD Clinic - Free STD Test
1100 E Wendover Ave Greensboro, North Carolina 27405
(336) 641-3245
 Triad Health Project Greensboro Office - Free STD/HIV Test
801 Summit Ave Greensboro, North Carolina 27405
(336) 275-1654
Local health departments provide free and confidential STD screening and clinical ser-
vices as well as information on organizations, programs and services available in your
community.
 Guilford County Health Department - (336) 641-3152
 Guilford County Public Health - (336) 641-3245
 Guilford County Department of Public Health - (336) 641-7777
 US Health & Human Services Department - (336) 547-4147