Slide 1
Defending Your self or Your Companion from HIV
Tips on how to speak to intimate companions about HIV
Slide 2
Main modifications in midlife
Regardless of what folks might imagine, many ladies over age 50 are fascinated with having intercourse. And midlife might imply new relationships and intimate companions. Which means you’ll want to defend your self — and your sexual companions — from HIV.
1 out 3 ladies ages 50–64 are usually not in a dedicated relationship.
Slide 3
Recognizing the dangers for HIV
It’s essential to notice which you can get an STI, together with HIV, at any age.
Ladies over 50 are one of many fastest-growing teams with new HIV infections. Defending your self is important.
Slide 4
Begin with sharing
Earlier than bodily intimacy with a brand new accomplice, share your expectations.
Ask:
What are your safe-sex practices?
Have you ever been examined for STIs?
Deal with earlier companions or on-again, off-again companions like they’re new to you, too. Don’t let familiarity get in the way in which of security.
Slide 5
Suggestions for speaking
Clarify your method.
For instance: “I get examined frequently, and I all the time use a condom.”
Being open about your safe-sex practices will help your accomplice really feel linked as a substitute of accused and encourage them to be open as nicely.
Slides 6/7
Defusing defensiveness
Conversations about secure intercourse or STIs might make your accomplice defensive. Some methods to make them really feel comfy:
- Present information
- Reply questions
- Supply to go to a clinic collectively for STI testing
- Get examined your self
If the dialog shouldn’t be going nicely, you may pause, stroll away and observe up later — and take into consideration whether or not this connection is price protecting.
Slide 8
Protected intercourse is self-care
Use barrier strategies like condoms and dental dams
Think about taking PrEP, a medication that may stop HIV an infection
Ask about PEP when you have unprotected intercourse
Slide 9
Disclosing your standing when you’re residing with HIV
For those who’re a lady residing with HIV, conversations about intercourse could be difficult. Set your individual timeline and follow what you’ll say.
In some states, the legislation requires that you simply disclose your HIV standing earlier than sexual encounters.
Slide 10
Satisfying and secure sexuality
Midlife could be full of recent experiences and nice connections. There may be awkward moments when discussing HIV, however they’re price it for a satisfying and secure intercourse life now and within the years forward.
This academic useful resource was created with help from Merck.
