Sexual Health & Menopause

Sexual Health and Menopause

Menopause causes many changes to the body that can impact your daily life. Some people notice changes to their physical, sexual and mental health which can affect sex and relationships. It can be a challenging time, but when we talk about menopause, it is most often reduced to topics such as hot flashes, brain fog and mood swings. But there is more to it than that.

There are some lesser talked about menopause topics, like the need to continue practicing safer sex for protection against STIs. A common misconception we hear is that people don't need to use condoms after menopause, because there is no risk of pregnancy. What many people don't realise, is that STIs can still be passed on at any age. It is important to use condoms to help protect yourself and partners from STIs, especially if you are dating or having new sexual partners.

Menopause and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections which are spread by sex (anal, oral and vaginal). In some cases, they can also be spread by non-penetrative sexual contact, such as sharing sex toys, sexual touching and close skin-to-skin contact.

The most common STIs include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV. Some infections are easy to get rid of with treatment. Other infections you can’t get rid of, but the treatment helps manage long term symptoms.

If you are sexually active, there is still a risk of getting and passing on an STI. You can get an STI at any age, even after menopause. Using appropriate contraception methods such as condoms and dental dams can help to protect you against STIs.

For more information on the types of STIs and their symptoms click here.

Menopause and Safer Sex

There are many types of contraception available to prevent unintended pregnancy. But in menopause where the risk of becoming pregnant is eliminated, contraception is still necessary for practicing safer sex. Using condoms is the only way to protect yourself and any sexual partners from getting or passing on an STI.

If you have had unprotected sex with a new partner or are worried about having an STI, the good news is that getting an STI test is simple. You can order a free and discreet test that is delivered to your home. 

For more information about STI testing and to order a free test, click here.

Free Condoms with the C-Card

The C-Card gives people quick, easy access to free condoms. This service is available to anyone aged 13 or over in Staffordshire, Shropshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford and Wrekin. It is a confidential service and registering for a card will mean you always have access to free condoms. You can register for a C-Card online, or in some pharmacies and GP practices.

For more information about the C-Card and register online for free condoms, click here.

Need more help?

You can visit our sexual health clinics for information and advice on contraception (including the C-Card), STIs and STI testing. Please note, we do not routinely offer coil fitting for HRT purposes.

If you need support with menopause or perimenopause symptoms, a GP, nurse or pharmacist can give you advice and help. The nhs.uk website also has useful links for organisations which offer support relating to menopause.