Latest news with #SexualHealthWeek
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
STI rates are rising among Canadians in their 60s. Here's what seniors need to know about getting tested
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Feb. 10-16 is SexPlus Week (formerly known as Sexual Health Week), a yearly campaign to help raise public awareness for sexual health. According to Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, SexPlus Week helps ensure that sexual health is included in public health conversations so that Canadians of all ages can access information about sexual wellness that's free of stigma or shame. One subject the campaign helps address? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for people of all ages. In 2024, an Ontario health official issued a warning regarding the increase in STI rates in people over 60. STI rates are rising in Ontario residents over 60 years old, according to a health official from the province who is warning older adults. Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health in Chatham-Kent, told the area's board of health that "gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis are three of the most common sexually transmitted diseases across the province," Windsor News Today reported last year. In fact, cases of STI rates have increased across the board: Gonorrhea: up from 60 in 2013 to around 300 in 2022 Syphilis: from 40 in 2013 to about 220 in 2022 Chlamydia: from 150 in 2013 to about 400 in 2022 However, what Nesathurai emphasized to local media is "one thing that's not always acknowledged is that sexually transmitted infections also occur in people in their sixth and seventh decades of life." These older adults are "getting divorced and widowed and they're initiating new sexual relationships," he explained to Windsor News Today, adding many living in long-term care facilities are also sexually active. The doctor told Chatham Daily News that preventing pregnancy at that age is also less of an issue, so people are less likely to use contraception. Nesathurai added testing is important for all ages. But what actually goes into an STI test, and should older people actually be taking the time to get them? Read on to learn more. Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) differ depending on your symptoms and what you're being tested for, along with what your health care provider suggests. However, they can reveal a number of possible infections you may be carrying. Urine samples can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. Blood samples can spot HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If you're getting swabbed, typically around the throat, penis, vagina or anus, you might test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis or trichomoniasis. In addition to being available by your health care provider, you can access STI tests at sexual health clinics, local public health units or a walk-in clinic. Canadians can find their closest service through Action Canada's website. I remember in my 20s thinking, 'I wonder if people in their 50s still have sex? I can tell you: Damn right they McGarvie Out of the many existing STIs, Ottawa-based clinical sex and relationship therapist Sue McGarvie explained there are a few that remain non-curable. Two of them, HIV and herpes, do not have any immunizations. But people can get immunized against HPV and Hepatitis. While some people may experience symptoms like itching, discharge, flu-like symptoms or a burning sensation while urinating, untreated STIs can lead to more serious consequences. That includes permanent infertility, increased risk of contracting HIV or a higher chance of developing cancer. Moreover, STIs sometimes don't present any symptoms, meaning you might be spreading infections without even knowing it. Vaccines might help protect you from certain STIs, but they're not the only option when it comes to safe sex. "You need to be thinking of how you're going to be doing safety," McGarvie told Yahoo Canada in a previous interview. "Is it going to be an exclusive relationship where you're both getting tested and you're being authentic and making sure you're not exploring outside of that? Or are you using some kind of barrier method?" The most well-known barrier are condoms, including both external and internal versions. External condoms are those that roll onto penises or sex toys. Internal condoms, on the other hand, are inserted into the vagina or anus, and include a flexible ring inside its sheath to help insertion. McGarvie said using external condoms can be difficult for some older men, because it sometimes can be "harder to maintain an erection with a condom on." In many cases, internal condoms are more common amongst older women. Dental dams are also options that can help cover the skin around your mouth, genitals or anus to prevent STI transmission. I think people dismiss how much and how often people over 50, 60, even 70, are having sex. I'm hoping to have it until they take me away in a McGarvie The Public Health Agency of Canada indicates anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STIs. That includes people who have had unprotected sex, anyone with STI symptoms or people who have had sex with someone who has an STI. But McGarvie says more people may fall under those categories than you might think. "If you're having sex, it doesn't matter how old you are," she shared. "You may not see it as the 60-year-old OnlyFans people, but the truth is, is that sexuality evolves but it sure doesn't go." STIs are currently on a steady rise across Canada — and that doesn't exclude older adults. A Statistics Canada report shows between 2010 and 2019, there was about a 90 per cent increase among people older than 60 per 100,000 population for chlamydia. For gonorrhea, that was a 168 per cent rise, and it was a 218 per cent jump for syphilis. STI tests might seem ridiculous for older adults who are not concerned about infertility — or simply catching an infection at a later stage in life. But McGarvie urged that it's not something older adults should skip out on. "It is no laughing matter to have an antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea," she said. "And why would you at this stage of your life? You have your car insurance, you take your multivitamin — don't be an idiot."
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 59 says sex 'can get better with age' — expert tips to improve sex after menopause
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Paulina Porizkova is committed to challenging misconceptions about sexuality after menopause. Last summer, the 59-year-old supermodel took to Instagram to share an intimate photo captured by her partner, screenwriter Jeff Greenstein, with an empowering message to women embrace pleasure in their menopausal and post-menopausal years. 'Menopausal women and sex is still a taboo,' Porizkova said. The Czech-born model said that once women 'can no longer procreate' they are sentenced to become 'pillow shaped baking and knitting automatons' who no longer feel or express sexual desire. Porizkova, who has two sons from her previous marriage to The Cars singer Ric Ocasek, said the 'least sexy' she's ever felt was when she was a young mother because her body felt as though it didn't belong to her. 'Second runner up was being with men I thought I loved, who entertained themselves with finding my flaws,' she wrote. The model and unapologetic champion for women told followers that she has a 'newly acquired knowledge that sex can get better with age.' The model compared satisfying physical desires to 'a twelve course dinner with flavours you have never tried, and combinations that blow your mind.' Porizkova continued, 'Knowing what to order is a part of being older. As is the willingness to try something new, and not feeling obliged to finish if you don't like it. And taking your time with pleasure. It's there for YOU, rather than the other way around. And no, you don't need a steady partner, just a desire to explore.' Women's sexual health is a topic that's often shrouded in secrecy —especially when it comes to menopause. Feb. 10-16 is Sexual Health Week, which helps promote public conversations around sexual wellness. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family physician at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, is determined to change the narrative surrounding menopause by raising awareness about the sexual changes they may experience and providing expert advice on how to navigate it with confidence. "As individuals transition through perimenopause into menopause, they experience just a myriad of changes that can significantly impact their sexual function that really, is multifactorial," Wijayasinghe said in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada. Wijayasinghe explained that these changes are rooted in hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While loss of libido and vaginal dryness are two primary issues that impact women's sexual health during menopause, they're also two of the most challenging things to address with a healthcare professional due to stigma. "It's not something that patients will necessarily bring up as a first comment. But I'll notice it when I'm about to prepare to do a pap test," Wijayasinghe said, adding that vaginal dryness is one of the "key symptoms" she manages at her primary care office. Vaginal dryness is one of the vaginal health symptoms included in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), an umbrella term that can also include burning and stinging (dysuria), frequent urge to urinate reccurring urinary tract infections. Some people actually notice when they transition through to menopause, an increase in Sheila Wijayasinghe Wijayasinghe explained how vaginal dryness can "make sexual activity uncomfortable and painful" and can not only impact someone's quality of life, but also the quality of relationships. In terms of libido, she says that while many people might notice a decrease in libido due to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone, others may experience the opposite; a sexual awakening. "Some people actually notice when they transition through to menopause, an increase in libido and increase in arousal because they actually feel more confident in themselves, they are free from periods, they're not worried about getting pregnant," Wijayasinghe said. Wijayasinghe said "communication is lubrication" when it comes to sexual health. Acknowledging that there are changes happening and then communicating them with your partner can "foster intimacy and lead to a better understanding of each other's needs." Candid communication with your healthcare provider is also important in finding the best course of action in treating menopausal symptoms. "It can be really scary to discuss this, but there are solutions that are available that can help improve your overall well being, your quality of life, and your sexual health," Wijayasinghe said. Wijayasinghe said lifestyle factors can also have an impact on sexual health during menopause, and urged women to add exploring new forms of intimacy to the list of ways they practice self-care. "...Exercise, proper sleep, mindfulness, relaxation techniques can all help manage stress, improve our mood, improve our self-esteem, our physical health and enhance sexual well-being," she said. "Perhaps considering exploring new avenues of intimacy, where you have a little bit of fun with it, experiment with different ways to connect sexually and emotionally." When treating GSM, Wijayasinghe outlined several treatment strategies, beginning with the simplest: Lubrication. For more targeted treatment, Wijayasinghe recommended over-the-counter water-based lubricant. "Water-based lubrications are compatible with condoms a little bit more, and they lack irritants," she noted. An alternative to drugstore lubricants are vaginal moisturizes, specifically ones that contain hyaluronic acid. "You can use every couple of days, every two to three days, which can also improve vaginal moisture and elasticity," she advised. One of the "mainstay" treatment options for, Wijayasinghe put her stamp of approval on for vaginal dryness is topical estrogen therapy. "This is a form of menopause hormonal therapy — local estrogen therapy for the vagina," she said. "The treatment is delivered directly to the vagina in the form of creams, rings, or tablets that is very effective. "It helps to replenish estrogen levels locally, it feeds the vaginal tissue, and improves vaginal health." Other treatment options include systemic menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), which is available in the form of a patch or oral mediation and can alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. Wijayasinghe said it can also help with vaginal elasticity and lubrication, to make sexual activity more "comfortable and enjoyable." "It does carry risks, including a slightly increased risk of breast cancer and stroke,"Wijayasinghe cautioned. "Systemic hormonal therapy is really made on an individual basis, considering your personal health history and the severity of your symptoms." Many individuals may need to combine MHT with topical estrogen therapy to see the best results. In addition to medications and MHT, Wijayasinghe suggested visiting a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic health. "Even investing in one or two sessions can be very helpful," she said. "Pelvic floor physios are a wealth of knowledge around the pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction, and they can provide exercises and techniques to relax and strengthen pelvic floor muscles that can help reduce pain." Sex therapy or counselling may be helpful for those who are being psychologically impacted by their physical changes. "If sex hurts, it can be really something that can continue in a cycle and make it difficult to engage because your body's expecting it to get hurt," she said, adding that speaking with a counsellor or therapist can help manage anxiety.
