[GRAPHIC]
Heather, a woman in her late 60s, holds up her phone and her dating app says someone she likes wants to meet her. He has a big smile on his face as a speech bubble appears showing their conversation.
Man: “Should we have dinner on Friday night?”
Heather: “It’s a date!”
[GRAPHIC]
Heather is on her date, she and he are sitting together and he has his arm around Heather’s shoulders.
Man: “Should we go somewhere else?”
Heather: “Your house or mine?”
[SUPER]
Days later…
[GRAPHIC]
Heather and her friend are sitting on the couch at Heather’s house. While they talk, they both hold a glass of wine, eat sandwiches, pet a cat, etc.
Friend: “Tell me how your date went!”
Heather: “It was good. You know, I’m not looking for anything serious. I just want to have fun and meet new people after the divorce. Dating at 56 has been an adventure.”
Friend: “And what happened to Brad? Are you still seeing each other?”
Heather: “We meet casually.”
Friend: “Hey, I’m experiencing all of this through you. By the way, what are you doing to protect yourself? Are you still taking birth control pills?”
Heather: “No, I stopped taking it a few weeks ago. The good thing about menopause is that you don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. What a relief!”
Friend: “So how do you protect yourself from STIs (sexually transmitted infections)?”
Heather: “I’m not too worried about that.” Friend: “I don’t want to discourage you, but since I’m a nurse, I have to tell you that STI rates are rising. They have doubled in the last decade among people in their 50s and 60s.”
Heather: “Why?”
Friend: “That’s partly because people like you who date new partners after a divorce think they no longer need protection. And menopause itself can increase your chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.”
Heather: “Wow, what a surprise. Menopause truly is a gift that never ends.”
[GRAPHIC]
Vaginal changes such as loss of elasticity and dryness make you more susceptible to cuts, making it easier to contract sexually transmitted diseases.
Friend: “Maybe you should get an HIV test. Just to be safe.”
Heather: “That scares me.”
Friend: “It’s a simple blood test. And if you don’t know your situation, it’s scarier, don’t you think?”
Heather: “I think so. You’re right.”
[ SUPER]
You can take an HIV test at:
Your doctor’s office
A local health department
HIV testing clinics
Friend: “If you have HIV and get treatment, you can still enjoy a long and healthy life. But if you ignore something like that, it can be fatal.”
Heather: “Thanks. You always give me good advice. I’ll do it! I’ll find a spot tomorrow. Now let’s focus on the main event of the evening. Let’s watch ‘Love is Blind!’ to.”
