Older adults have sex and when they lose their spouse, they may start dating again. But just like anyone who is sexually active, there’s a risk for sexually transmitted infections, known as STIs. 

Dr. Megan Wasson is the chair of medical and surgical gynecology at the Mayo Clinic. 

"And so we do see that there is an increased incidence of STIs in patients who are older who are reengaging in sexual intercourse with new partners," Wasson said. 

But they don’t always think about STIs — especially if they’ve been in a long-term, monogamous relationship. 

"But that doesn't mean that you can't become infected with not just HPV but gonorrhea, chlamydia," Wasson said. "We are definitely making a concerted effort from a gynecology community to ensure that people are protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections regardless of their age."

Wasson recommends condoms as the first line of defense for preventing STIs.