Protecting Yourself or Your Partner from HIV

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Protecting Yourself or Your Partner from HIV

How to talk to intimate partners about HIV

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Major changes in midlife

Despite what people may think, many women over age 50 are interested in having sex. And midlife may mean new relationships and intimate partners. That means you need to protect yourself — and your sexual partners — from HIV.

1 out 3 women ages 50–64 are not in a committed relationship.

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Recognizing the risks for HIV

It’s important to note that you can get an STI, including HIV, at any age.

Women over 50 are one of the fastest-growing groups with new HIV infections. Protecting yourself is essential.

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Start with sharing

Before physical intimacy with a new partner, share your expectations.

Ask:

What are your safe-sex practices?

Have you been tested for STIs?

Treat previous partners or on-again, off-again partners like they’re new to you, too. Don’t let familiarity get in the way of safety.

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Tips for talking

Explain your approach.

For example: “I get tested regularly, and I always use a condom.”

Being open about your safe-sex practices can help your partner feel connected instead of accused and encourage them to be open as well.

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Defusing defensiveness

Conversations about safe sex or STIs may make your partner defensive. Some ways to make them feel comfortable:

• Provide facts
• Answer questions
• Offer to visit a clinic together for STI testing
• Get tested yourself

If the conversation is not going well, you can pause, walk away and follow up later — and think about whether this connection is worth keeping.

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Safe sex is self-care

Use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams

Consider taking PrEP, a medicine that can prevent HIV infection

Ask about PEP if you have unprotected sex

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Disclosing your status if you’re living with HIV

If you’re a woman living with HIV, conversations about sex can be challenging. Set your own timeline and practice what you’ll say.

In some states, the law requires that you disclose your HIV status before sexual encounters.

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Satisfying and safe sexuality

Midlife can be full of new experiences and great connections. There might be awkward moments when discussing HIV, but they’re worth it for a satisfying and safe sex life now and in the years ahead.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.