A Warning About Love at Midlife

Finding love at midlife is surprising and gratifying. Just when you thought that chapter of your life was over, you meet a new person who shows you the possibilities. But as we all know, it's not easy negotiating romance at this stage. We worry about so many things, body shapes, our kids' reactions and whether we can really commit to someone new.

Then there are the health issues. If we were in a relationship for many years, it's a shock to find that the rules of dating now include a health check. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are almost as big a threat as they were when you first started dating. Twenty types of STDs have been identified and while some only cause minor problems, others are quite serious and can even be fatal.

Here's what you need to do. First, get yourself tested. If problems show up, you must be willing to be candid about the results. You must also ask your partner about his or her medical history and it would be a good idea to ask him to be tested as well.

Once you are sexually active again, be alert to any changes in the genital area, such as itching, burning, soreness, rashes, bumps or discharges. Regular check-ups are a good idea; early treatment offers the best hope for a cure.

Some other tips:

Avoid douching after sex. This washes away some of the body's protective bacteria and actually make you more vulnerable to STDs.

Use condoms. But be aware that they can break and leak, which would make you vulnerable to STDs.

For more detailed information on STDS, check out this National Institutes of Health site.