Menopause and STIs: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Sexual Health
Menopause and perimenopause can be a time of significant changes, both physically and emotionally. But while hot flashes and mood swings may steal the spotlight, there’s another area of health that shouldn’t be overlooked—sexual health. Despite common misconceptions, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) aren’t just issues for younger adults. In fact, they’re a concern for women at every stage of life, including those navigating menopause.
The reality is that sexual activity doesn’t necessarily slow down with age, and neither does the risk of contracting an STD. In this blog, we’ll take a look at why it’s important to stay on top of sexual health as you enter menopause and perimenopause, how to recognize common STD symptoms, and how MyUTI's new my STD Check test makes home testing easier than ever.
STIs and Menopause: The Connection
For many, menopause is synonymous with the end of reproductive years, but that doesn’t mean the end of sexual activity—or the risks that come with it. In fact, data from the CDC show that rates of STIs in women over 50 have been rising in recent years.
Why is this happening? One reason is that menopause brings about several biological changes that can actually increase the risk of infection. During menopause and perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. These changes can make the tissue more susceptible to tears during sexual activity, making it easier for STDs to be transmitted.
Additionally, many women may assume they no longer need to worry about STIs or STDs after menopause. After all, pregnancy is no longer a concern, right? But while pregnancy may be off the table, STIs certainly aren’t.
Recognizing STD Symptoms During Menopause
Many STDs can go unnoticed, especially in women. The symptoms can be mild, vague, or mistaken for something else, particularly in women going through menopause who are already dealing with various bodily changes. This makes it essential to know what to look out for and to take any unusual symptoms seriously.
Here are some common symptoms of STDs that may be more noticeable during menopause:
Painful urination: Often confused with symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), painful urination could also signal an STD.
Unusual vaginal discharge: While vaginal discharge may fluctuate during menopause, any significant changes in color, odor, or consistency could indicate an STD.
Itching or irritation: Postmenopausal dryness can cause itching, but persistent irritation or sores should be checked out.
Lower abdominal pain: Pain or cramping unrelated to your cycle could be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease, a complication of untreated STDs.
It’s important to remember that STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are often asymptomatic, so even if you’re feeling fine, regular testing is key.
The Importance of STD Testing for Menopausal Women
Just as women in their reproductive years need to be vigilant about their sexual health, so too do women in perimenopause and menopause. “Women re-entering the dating world after a grey divorce should insist any new partner use a condom,” says Dr Barbra Hanna, an OB/GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and founder of MyMenopauseRx. In addition, she recommends regular STD testing as an essential part of maintaining overall health, especially since many STIs can have long-term consequences if left untreated.
That’s where MyUTI comes in. With the introduction of our my STD Check test, we’re making it easier for women to take control of their sexual health with convenient at-home testing. Our STD telehealth service allows you to test for common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis from the privacy of your own home, without the need to visit a doctor’s office.
This service is especially valuable for women who may feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health with a healthcare provider or who simply prefer the convenience of home testing.
STI Prevention Tips for Postmenopausal Women
Of course, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some key STI prevention tips to keep in mind:
Use Protection: Condoms and dental dams aren’t just for the younger crowd. They’re one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs at any age.
Communicate with Your Partner: Honest conversations about sexual history and health are crucial for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship, especially if either partner has been with others previously.
Regular Testing: Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, regular testing ensures that both you and your partner are maintaining your sexual health.
Stay Informed: The more you know about STIs, the better equipped you are to protect yourself. Keeping up with sexual health information is a form of self-care that’s just as important as any other aspect of your well-being.
Keep Your Vaginal Tissues Healthy:Vaginal estrogen is inexpensive and works to prevent thinning of your vaginal tissue, a common finding in menopause.
Home Testing: A Convenient Option
Testing for STIs during menopause is simpler and more convenient than ever with home testing options like the my STD Check test from MyUTI. Home testing eliminates the hassle of scheduling appointments, waiting in a doctor’s office, or facing potentially awkward conversations.
With MyUTI's easy-to-use kit, you can collect your sample at home and send it off for testing.
Plus, with results delivered directly to you through a secure platform, you can have peace of mind without leaving the house.
STI Treatment and Managing Sexual Health After Menopause
Should you test positive for an STI, rest assured that treatment options are available. Many STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics, but it’s important to act quickly. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, especially as the immune system naturally weakens with age.
If you do test positive, MyUTI also offers support in connecting you with STD telehealth services from partners like MyMenopauseRx, so you can discuss treatment options with a professional from the comfort of your home.
Sex After Menopause: Maintaining Health and Confidence
Sex after menopause can be just as enjoyable as it was before, and for many women, it can actually be a time of newfound sexual freedom. However, maintaining sexual health is a critical part of that confidence.
By staying informed, taking preventative steps, and utilizing convenient resources like MyUTI’s at-home STD testing and UTI PCR testing options, you can ensure that you’re taking care of your health at every stage of life.
While menopause may bring changes to your body, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your sexual health. In fact, regular STD testing is more important than ever during this stage of life. Whether you’re looking to address STD symptoms or just want the peace of mind that comes with routine STI testing during menopause, MyUTI is here to help with comprehensive, convenient solutions that fit into your life.
Stay healthy, stay informed, and keep the conversations going—sexual health matters at every age.
