[SUPER]
Later this week…
[GRAPHIC]
Heather and her friend are sitting on the couch at Heather’s house. Throughout the conversation, both of them are holding glasses of wine, eating snacks, petting a cat, etc.
Friend: “So tell me about the date!”
Heather: “It’s been fine. You know me, I’m not looking for anything serious. I’m just having fun being back out there since the divorce. Dating at 56 has been an adventure so far.”
Friend: “What about Brad? Are you still seeing him?”
Heather: “Casual.”
Friend: “Wow, I’m living completely vicariously through you. By the way, what are you doing to protect yourself? Are you still on the pill?”
Heather: “No, I got rid of that a few weeks ago. The good thing about menopause is that you don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. Phew!”
Friend: “But what about sexually transmitted diseases?”
Heather: “I’m not too worried.”
Friend: “I don’t want to chill Netflix and relax, but since I’m a nurse, I have to tell you that sexually transmitted diseases are actually on the rise. They have doubled in the last decade among people in their mid-50s and older.”
Heather: “Really? Why?”
Friend: “Some of this comes from people like you who go out with new partners after a divorce and think they no longer need protection. And menopause itself can increase your chances of getting sexually transmitted diseases.”
Heather: “Oh, wow. Menopause really is the gift that keeps on giving.”
[GRAPHIC]
Changes in the vagina, such as loss of elasticity and dryness, make you more prone to tearing, which makes it easier to contract sexually transmitted diseases.
Friend: “Maybe you should get an HIV test. Just to be safe.”
Heather: “That sounds scary.”
Friend: “It’s actually just a simple blood test. And not knowing is much scarier, isn’t it?”
Heather: “I guess. Yeah.”
[ SUPER]
You can take an HIV test at:
Your healthcare provider’s office
Local health departments
HIV testing clinics
Friend: “If you have HIV and are on treatment, you can still live a long, healthy life. But if you ignore something like that, it can become life-threatening.”
Heather: “Thanks. You always give me good advice. I’ll do it! I’ll find a spot tomorrow. Now let’s get to the main event of the evening. Tune in to “Love Is Blind!” a.