Previously, there’s been a somewhat erroneous expectation of the post menopausal female of our species to be ‘past it’, sexually inactive or in a sexually safe monogamous relationship. With the emergence of the alleged Cougar, the popularity of on line dating services and the changing relationship norms of today’s society, over 40s and post menopausal females need to be really savvy about managing the skin to skin aspects of their new intimate relationships.
Great, we may not need pregnancy protection any more girls but as well as protecting ourselves from gold digging gigolos looking for ‘Mother with Benefits’ we do need to protect ourselves from other unwelcome catches. Our mellowing vaginas are past the spring chicken stage which means that we are more susceptible to picking up a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or to missing the signs that we may already have one.
Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. (Chlamydia trachomatis) I thought it best to mention this little Charlie (you’ll notice that I give the villains male names - don’t read anything into that) because he is a very common bacterial STI which you probably think only infects the young ones. Incidences of middle aged goddesses getting lumbered with STI’s are on the rise. . You’ll be safe from future fetuses once you exit menopause but if you embark on new sexual journeys with new partners, please be a savvy, condom loaded gal and protect yourself and your vagina from STIs.
Symptoms of Chlamydia - are like those of a UTI (abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating and crampy pain in the lower abdomen). Chlamydia can also cause conjunctivitis. BUT the real bummer is that most women don’t have any symptoms so Charlie Chlamydia romps wherever he pleases inside your body, free to hop happily onto someone else if you give him half a chance.
Diagnosis - Chlamydia is diagnosed from a pap smear or from swabs you can take yourself. Chlamydia can’t be diagnosed from a blood test.
Treatment is simple and effective though it can cause a few uncomfortable side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain however, just a single prescribed dose of antibiotics - Azithromycin (Zithromax) or the less costly Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox) usually sends Charlie packing. Don’t have sex until at least a week after treatment. If your partner is receiving treatment for Chlamydia, don’t have sex until at least a week after both of you have been treated.
Stop Charlie entering your door simply by using a condom (male or female variety) and don’t have unprotected sex with a new partner unless you’re sure that they have passed their STD exam!
I actually took this post from a page in a handy new guide I have just published(pen name Claire Preston) called "Happy Vaginas for the Over 40's - how to resuscitate your ageing vagina and protect her from menopausal meltdown!" I wrote this little self help book after reading all the desperate comments in women's forums about the problems mature women are having with painful sex, dry vaginas and persistent discharges of one type or another. Even though this site is focused on reviewing birth control methods, I know there are many of you who struggle with vaginal problems or know someone who could benefit from some practical but lighthearted vaginal reassurance. My inexpensive guide is packed with information and tips on all the major vaginal problems so it’s a ‘must have’ for young women too if they want to keep their ‘lady garden’ in good nick!
