Safe Sex for Grown Women: A Conversation We Still Need to Have
Menopause can shift desire, comfort, and energy — but it doesn’t erase intimacy. Discover how to move beyond Valentine’s Day expectations and create connection that feels authentic, supportive, and aligned with your body.
Last updated: February 6, 2026
For many women, conversations about safe sex seem to disappear after a certain age quietly. Once pregnancy is no longer a concern, or long-term relationships are assumed, sexual health often fades from routine discussion. But this silence does not reflect reality, and it does not protect women.
At Signature Health by Robin Bone, MD, we believe women deserve honest, ongoing conversations about sexual wellness at every stage of life. Safe sex is not just a topic for teenagers or young adults. It remains an essential part of women’s health well into midlife and beyond.
Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are sexually active for many reasons. Some are entering new relationships after divorce or loss. Others are navigating long-term partnerships where trust, health status, or circumstances may have changed. Regardless of relationship status, sexual health deserves the same thoughtful attention at 50 as it did at 25.
The Midlife STI Reality
The assumption that STI risk disappears with age is not supported by data. In fact, rates of sexually transmitted infections among adults over 40 have risen steadily over the past decade. Between 2012 and 2022, chlamydia infections increased by more than 30 percent among women ages 45 to 64, and syphilis rates doubled in this same group.
These trends highlight a critical gap in education and prevention. Many women simply were never told that STI risk continues after menopause or long-term partnership. Without guidance, testing and protection may fall by the wayside.
Biology also plays a role. After menopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to thinning and increased fragility of vaginal tissue. These changes can make microtears during intercourse more likely, which may increase vulnerability to infection. Understanding how the body changes with age is key to maintaining sexual health and comfort.
Dr. Robin Bone and the team at Signature Health approach women’s care without assumptions. Sexual activity, risk factors, and needs are discussed based on real life, not age or stereotypes.
Rethinking Sexual Health Education for Adult Women
Most sexual health education ends far too early. Many women never receive updated guidance about safe sex as their bodies, relationships, and health evolve. This leaves women without information about modern protection options or appropriate testing schedules.
Barrier methods remain one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs. Condoms are still the gold standard, and latex-free options are widely available for women who develop sensitivities over time. Female condoms offer another option that allows women more control over protection.
Routine STI testing should remain part of preventive care for sexually active women, regardless of age. The CDC continues to recommend regular screening, yet older women are often not offered testing unless they specifically request it. Undiagnosed infections can lead to serious complications when left untreated.
Safe sex also includes awareness of a partner’s sexual health status. Mutual testing and honest conversations are essential parts of prevention, even when those discussions feel uncomfortable at first.
Learning to Talk About Sexual Health
One of the biggest barriers to safe sex is communication. Talking openly with a partner or healthcare provider about sexual health takes confidence, but it is an important skill that protects your wellbeing.
With partners, these conversations are best held before intimacy begins. Sharing your own testing history can help normalize the discussion and encourage openness. Framing testing as a routine part of caring for yourself helps avoid defensiveness or misunderstanding.
When speaking with healthcare providers, women should feel empowered to ask for STI screening, discuss changes in sexual comfort, and explore protection options. Unfortunately, some providers still assume older women are not sexually active, which can lead to missed opportunities for education and prevention.
If a provider seems dismissive or uncomfortable discussing sexual health, seeking specialized care may be the right next step.
Why Specialized Women’s Care Matters
Gynecology-focused practices like Signature Health offer a different approach to sexual wellness. Appointments allow time for thoughtful conversations that are often rushed or avoided in traditional settings.
Dr. Robin Bone is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and menopause care, with a deep understanding of how hormonal changes, aging, and life transitions affect sexual health. This expertise allows for individualized guidance that supports both physical health and quality of life.
A supportive, nonjudgmental environment makes it easier for women to ask questions, share concerns, and receive accurate information. Whether addressing vaginal changes after menopause, navigating new relationships, or simply ensuring appropriate testing, specialized care makes a meaningful difference.
Your Sexual Health Still Matters
Safe sex does not have an expiration date. Women deserve access to clear information, preventive care, and expert guidance at every stage of life. Age should never be a barrier to protection, testing, or compassionate care.
At Signature Health by Robin Bone, MD, women’s sexual health is treated as an essential part of overall well-being. By prioritizing education, open communication, and personalized care, women can protect their health and continue to feel confident in their bodies.
If you have questions about sexual wellness, STI prevention, or menopause-related changes, expert support is available.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Signature Health by Robin Bone, MD at 504-526-1771 or visit signaturehealthrb.com.
