Women Are Never Too Old for Sex -- or for Sexually Transmitted Disease
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If you have questions about herpes, go to WebMD's Genital Herpes chat board moderated by Terri Warren, RN, ANP. continued...
In addition to herpes, Eder says he is seeing an increasing number of older women who are infected with the human papillomavirus known as HPV. This virus has been linked to cervical cancer.
"What worries me is that older women are often not coming in for annual Pap tests," says Eder. "Many women think that there is no need for a Pap test after menopause."
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends Pap tests starting at age 18 and continuing throughout life. Although annual tests are recommended, after three negative tests a woman and her doctor can discuss changing to an every other year or three Pap test schedule.
Likewise, the College recommends that doctors discuss sexual history during periodic office visits.
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