Slide 1
Defending Your self or Your Companion from HIV
How one can speak to intimate companions about HIV
Slide 2
Main modifications in midlife
Regardless of what individuals might imagine, many ladies over age 50 are all in favour of having intercourse. And midlife might imply new relationships and intimate companions. Which means you could shield your self — and your sexual companions — from HIV.
1 out 3 ladies ages 50–64 aren’t in a dedicated relationship.
Slide 3
Recognizing the dangers for HIV
It’s vital to notice that you would be able to 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 associate, 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 best way of security.
Slide 5
Ideas for speaking
Clarify your method.
For instance: “I get examined often, and I all the time use a condom.”
Being open about your safe-sex practices can assist your associate really feel linked as an alternative of accused and encourage them to be open as nicely.
Slides 6/7
Defusing defensiveness
Conversations about protected intercourse or STIs might make your associate 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 is just not going nicely, you’ll be able to pause, stroll away and comply with up later — and take into consideration whether or not this connection is value retaining.
Slide 8
Secure intercourse is self-care
Use barrier strategies like condoms and dental dams
Contemplate taking PrEP, a drugs that may stop HIV an infection
Ask about PEP in case you have unprotected intercourse
Slide 9
Disclosing your standing in case you’re dwelling with HIV
In case you’re a girl dwelling with HIV, conversations about intercourse may be difficult. Set your individual timeline and observe what you’ll say.
In some states, the legislation requires that you just disclose your HIV standing earlier than sexual encounters.
Slide 10
Satisfying and protected sexuality
Midlife may be full of recent experiences and nice connections. There is perhaps awkward moments when discussing HIV, however they’re value it for a satisfying and protected intercourse life now and within the years forward.
This instructional useful resource was created with help from Merck.
