Matte Stories & PSA
Matte Stories
Sex, Revisited: Getting Back to sex and Dating
For some, going back to dating and sex after a long-term relationship can be daunting. Some things may have changed since you last graced the dating scene – even sex. Of course, the nuts and bolts of having sex are still the same, but just about everything else – relationships, dating, contraception, disease – has changed. And when it comes to your health, it’s important to stay on top of the latest information.
Consider the following advice from sexualityandu.ca:
Birth Control
The Birth-Control Pill has been the method of choice going back to the early 1960s. Today, it’s one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. But, if the pill is not for you, there are many new contraceptives that are also highly effective.
If you’re 100% sure children aren’t in your cards, getting your tubes tied (tubal ligation surgery) or having a vasectomy may be good options. For something less permanent, you may want to look into a number of new highly effective, ultra-convenient hormonal methods like an Intra-Uterine Device, the Contraceptive Patch or the Contraceptive Ring. All are as effective as the Pill, if not more. Remember, all of these contraceptive methods are highly-effective at preventing pregnancy, but will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Protection
Using condoms to protect yourself and your partner from STIs is always important, but rarely is it as important as when starting a relationship with someone new. Many people who are in long-term monogamous relationships eventually stop using condoms for protection, but with a new partner comes new risks. This is particularly important as many STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis are on the rise in Canada. Condoms and/or mutual testing for sexually transmitted infections are great ways to prevent spreading these infections.
If you and your new partner have not had sex in some time, there are still risks. Both men and women can carry an STI for years without experiencing symptoms. Some may never experience them. Also, some STIs that have little to no effect on a man may carry serious consequences such as infertility for a woman.
Sex and Aging
By no means does aging have to mean an end to sex, but for older people, particularly women who have reached menopause, sex with someone new may require some new considerations.
It’s important to note that women who have reached menopause may not need to worry about birth control anymore, but should still consider using condoms to prevent STIs. In addition, side effects of menopause such as reduced desire, vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse may be problematic. If this is the case, talk with a physician about the risks and benefits of available treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or products such as moisturizing creams, lubricants and gels.
For more information about menopause, please visit www.menopauseandu.ca
Last Modified: October 1, 2008
