3 reasons seniors should have HIV and STD testing done

Whether you’re dating at 18 or 78, there’s one thing that should take place: STD testing. STDs and HIV has been on the rise among seniors in recent years; the CDC reports that rates of chlamydia and syphilis among ages 45 to 64 have nearly tripled in the last decade. Gonorrhea is also on the rise. Here are three reasons for STD testing among this population:

1. Lack of sex education. Many people 50 years or older never had a formal sex ed course in high school and may not think this topic is relevant. However, while pregnancy may not be a consequence of sex anymore, STDs and HIV remain prevalent, and many seniors are unaware of the basics of STD and HIV prevention. Condoms provide excellent protection against most STDs, not just pregnancy. These prophylactics may seem alien to many seniors who relied on oral contraceptives and other forms of birth control during years of marriage and without proper condom use, STDs spread.
2. Menopause. After menopause, women no longer need to worry about unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to a disregard of condoms as mentioned in the first point. Furthermore, menopause causes bodily changes that make women more susceptible to HIV and STDs. Thinning of the vaginal walls and vaginal dryness can cause small, microscopic cuts which allow as an entry point for HIV.
3. Viagra and Internet dating. It’s actually two reasons, but combined, these elements increase ability and opportunity for dating among seniors. Combined with the lack of sex ed and no threat of pregnancy, this puts the demographic at risk for STDs and HIV. Seniors shouldn’t be denied dating, sex and companionship (80% of those between 50 and 90 are sexually active), but as we advise the rest of the dating population, safe sex is the best sex.

Testing is fast and easy. Find an STD testing center near you or go online and check out the home test kits (scroll to the bottom). Test in the privacy of your home when it's convenient for you. Everything you need is in the kit including postage.

What is online STD testing?

Online STD testing is a fairly new concept. The actual STD testing process doesn’t take place online; STD testing is available for purchase online and then testing is performed at a lab near you or at home.

Online STD Testing vs. Traditional Testing

Ordering STD tests online from a service like getSTDtested.com offers more convenience and privacy compared to traditional testing routes, and it's quick and easy. A doctor’s office or free clinic require appointments and often long waits. Online STD testing allows you to order a test from your computer, test immediately without an appointment and receive your results in about 3 days. Many of these labs are open on Saturday, so you can test around your busy schedule.

Online STD Testing Options

Testing is available at over 4,000 labs in the continental United States and Alaska. When testing at a lab there is no need to answer intrusive questions about your sex life or undress for an examination. Certified phlebotomists will take a urine and/or blood sample which are then shipped to a processing facility. From their the results come to us, not back to the lab, and you receive them as a password-protected pdf as soon as they arrive 

At-home STD testing is available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and HIV. You can select STD tests online and have the kit mailed to your home or office. Everything, including postage, is provided. All you do is collect your sample and mail it to the lab for processing.

Online STD Testing is Confidential

Testing is confidential in most cases. STD testing is a personal matter, so your confidentiality is protected at all stages—from ordering to billing to treatment. Lab testing takes place at diagnostic laboratories that do more than STD testing (everything from cholesterol testing to diabetes screening), so no one will know the nature of your business execpt the phlebotomist who collects your specimen. And your personal information is never shared with insurance companies or third parties.

Testing is quick and easy. Find an STD testing center near you.

Survey says: friends with benefits use condoms more

According to one study, people in a “friends with benefits” relationship have safer sex. Those surveyed, primarily young adults in their mid-20s, use condoms during oral and vaginal sex more frequently than those in traditional relationships.

But don’t assume this makes friends-with-benefits sex safer, or riskier, than sex among those in committed relationships. Friends with benefits are much less likely to be monogamous (36% vs. 96%), have had more sex partners and didn’t use condoms during all encounters. Additionally, these survey participants were less sexually satisfied and had less communication about sex. 

Casual FWB relationships are common (there was even a recent movie with the same title); half of college students have engaged in this type of relationship. With the prevalence of these relationships, experts call for specific sex education surrounding these relationships.

So what can you do to keep a friends-with-benefits relationship healthy? Engage in open communication, continue using condoms, practicing safe sex and have regular STD testing performed.

Read the article and find an STD testing center near you.

STD FAQ: Does male STD testing require swabbing?

A large number of men fear STD testing for one reason: the dreaded swab. Sure, there’s nothing appealing about having a cotton swab insert into the penis, but there’s also nothing appealing about chlamydia. STD testing is a must for men, and fortunately, new technologies have made swabbing a thing of the past. (Hepatitis, herpes and HIV testing require a small blood sample.)

Painless urine-based STD tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea eliminate the need to swab. (Men should have a chlamydia test and gonorrhea test as part of their routine STD testing.) For men, getSTDtested.com only uses urine tests at their local labs (phew!). There’s no pain and no need to undress with this process. STD testing has never been easier!

However, many locations (especially low-cost clinics) still rely on swabbing as a test method. Do your research before testing, so there are no unpleasant surprises at the lab or doctor’s office. 

It's quick and easy. Find an STD testing center near you.

6 more common condom mistakes

Several months ago we published “6 Common Condom Mistakes.” We’re following up on that article with six more common condom mistakes. Condoms are a solid form of insurance (still, don't ignore STD testing as part of your safe sex rituals), but be sure to use them correctly, otherwise the benefits become null and void. Researchers at Indiana University found these additional rubber wrongdoings:

1. Early removal. A handful of survey respondents—13.6 to 44.7%—reported removing the condom before the deed was done, which defeats the whole goal.
2. Failure to check for damage. A handful of ladies and gentlemen said they didn’t check the condom for damage or a passed expiration date. We understand that lighting may be dim or you’re anxious to get the action started, but take two seconds to examine the wrapper for tears and imperfections when unrolling the condom.
3. Reusing the condom. 1.4 to 3.3% said they reused a condom during the same encounter. For real.
4. Poor storage. Storing condoms in wallets, extreme temperature or direct sunlight can weaken the latex. Your pocket is even a dangerous spot—sharp objects and body heat are potential hazards.
5. Incorrect withdrawal. Pull out when finished; don’t linger after ejaculation like 31% of men and 27% of women surveyed.
6. Opening package with a sharp object. This can cause the condom to get torn or punctured, rendering it useless. Be careful when opening!

Bonus mistake: Not wearing one at all! 

We mentioned this error in a previous blog post, but this mistake should be emphasized. Unprotected sex puts you at risk for STDs and HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies. Condoms are cheap, easy to use and offer lifesaving benefits—so, why not use one?! Just be sure to use it correctly! 

Find an STD testing facility near you.

Are Guys Really Getting Tested For STDS?

You’re really, really trying to be a sexually responsible person. You always use a condom, and you always ask potential new bed buddies if they’ve been tested for STDs recently. But when the answer always seems to be, “Why, yes, I just got tested,” you start to wonder: Is it just a coincidence, or is he a liar whose pants are on fire (maybe due to gonorrhea)?

Read the article and find a testing location near you.

Signs and Symptoms of Common STDs in Men

Many men are quick to assume that if they had a sexually transmitted disease (STD), they would know it. While most STDs do cause symptoms, many are easily mistaken for other conditions. In some cases there are no symptoms at all. Understanding the risks and knowing the signs and symptoms of common STDs in men is crucial for any man who is sexually active.

Many people can be infected with an STD without experiencing any visible symptoms. This means that practicing safe sex is crucial if you want to prevent STD infection.

The only way to completely prevent an STD is abstinence from any type of sexual contact or contact with open sores and bodily fluids of an infected person. But there are other ways to prevent STDs too. Condoms during intercourse and dental dams or barriers during oral sex are proven effective when used correctly. Refraining from sex with multiple partners and instead opting for a monogamous sexual relationship can also help to prevent STDs.

Read the article and learn more about STD testing near you.

STD Quiz: Test Your Sexual Health IQ

Take the quiz and find a testing center near you.

Not All STDs Are Curable

Unfortunately, not all STDs can be cured. Bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be cured through antibiotics. Now, while some symptoms of STDS come and go, it doesn’t mean you’re cured without medical treatment. However, viral STDs like herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, and genital warts are incurable but can be managed with appropriate treatment.

Read the article and learn more about confidential testing with Get STD Tested.

STDs Can Lead To Infertility And Cancer

STDs can be silent but deadly for your health. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. However, if untreated, women with chlamydia will develop PID or suffer a fallopian tube infection without any symptoms, which can lead to infertility. Meanwhile, certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer in women, while the HPV infection can lead to the development of penile cancers in men. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and anus can occur for both sexes.

Read the article and learn more about confidential testing with Get STD Tested.

What’s the difference between genital herpes and genital warts?

Knowing the difference between genital herpes and genital warts is a chapter in STDs 101. But it’s easy to see why these STDs are often confused; both are viral STDs transmitted from skin-to-skin sexual contact that cause bumps, lesions or sores around the genitals. So what’s the difference?

Symptoms of genital herpes vs. symptoms of genital warts

First, it’s important to know both of these STDs can be asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, however, genital herpes is usually marked by painful, fluid-filled blisters around the genitals. These blisters will eventually break open, develop a crust and then heal after a few weeks. Sometimes, genital herpes symptoms can be so mild that outbreaks may be mistaken for jock itch or a yeast infection.

Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, occur as raised, flesh-colored bumps. They can be small or occur as cauliflower-like clusters. Unlike genital herpes, these warts aren’t filled with pus or fluid, nor do they usually hurt, itch or burn.

STD testing for genital herpes and genital warts

Blood-based STD tests can diagnose genital herpes. STD testing for genital herpes should be performed with a type-specific test to determine which strain, HSV-1 or HSV-2, is causing symptoms.

Unlike herpes, there is no blood-based STD test to diagnose HPV or genital warts. When potential warts are present, a physician can do a physical exam though some warts may not be locate externally.

Differences in treatment for genital herpes and genital warts

While genital warts and genital herpes are predominately harmless, though neither are curable, proper treatment can reduce the chances of passing these infections on to partners. Genital warts must be frozen off or surgically removed by a doctor. A doctor can also prescribe a prescription cream, but over-the-counter warts removal should never be used to treat genital warts.

Genital herpes treatment is a little less invasive; this STD can be treated with daily antiviral medication that suppresses the herpes virus from resurfacing. Learn more about confidential testing with Get STD Tested.

INFOGRAPHIC: Understanding common STD symptoms

Check out our latest infographic, "Understanding Common STD Symptoms." As mentioned in the infographic, many STDs are asymptomatic. If there's a chance you've been exposed, don't wait for STD symptoms to appear. Have STD testing performed just to be safe! If you're worried about symptoms, check out our handy infographic for details.