

Shannon Dowler, MD
The ultimate—and fun!—guide to maintaining vibrant sexual health with aging.
In Never Too Late, Shannon Dowler, MD, a family physician who is also an expert on sexually transmitted diseases (STD), provides a refreshing overview of sexual education for people over 55. With the advent of dating apps, vibrant 55+ retirement communities, and sexual enhancement drugs, adults are sexually active well into their golden years. Unfortunately, the rates of STDs are dramatically increasing in older adults.
In entertaining, accessible language, Dr. Dowler presents relatable patient stories and hilarious...
The ultimate—and fun!—guide to maintaining vibrant sexual health with aging.
In Never Too Late, Shannon Dowler, MD, a family physician who is also an expert on sexually transmitted diseases (STD), provides a refreshing overview of sexual education for people over 55. With the advent of dating apps, vibrant 55+ retirement communities, and sexual enhancement drugs, adults are sexually active well into their golden years. Unfortunately, the rates of STDs are dramatically increasing in older adults.
In entertaining, accessible language, Dr. Dowler presents relatable patient stories and hilarious rhymes that make for an easy and fun way to learn about safe sex. This guide covers important topics, including:
• How to identify the signs and symptoms of different STDs, including newer infections
• The importance of regular screening
• Best sexual practices, including guidance on medications
• Preventative measures, tests, and treatments
• Guidance on how to broach difficult conversations with romantic partners and doctors
• Details about changing sexual trends, including dating apps, swinging, and normal aging changes that may impact your sexuality
• Conditions commonly confused with sexually transmitted infections, such as urinary tract infections, tick-related infections, and forms of dermatitis
• Common misconceptions, myths, and assumptions
• Advice on seeking medical care when uninsured or financially limited
Never Too Late will help you take charge of your sexual health and learn how to protect yourself and your current and future partners.
Dr. Dowler has done it again! A nationally-recognized expert on sexuality and management of STDs, she turns an often uncomfortable and critically important topic into a relaxed and approachable conversation. Her encouraging and engaging voice shines through. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this conversation with Shannon.
In easy-to-read, interesting, and engaging language, Never Too Late educates and informs older adults about sexually transmitted infections as they explore new avenues of sexuality. Dr. Dowler has had a long career in the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and her knowledge and experience shine through in stories of her own life as well as stories during her clinical career.
Well-written and full of humor. I love how Dr. Dowler interweaves case studies with important information about sexually transmitted infections. I also appreciate the inclusion of demographic diversity, such as stories from same sex relationships, and the attention paid to different cultures, such as the Latinx community.
The need for sexual health education that reaches all audiences is critical as rates of STIs continue to rise. Dr. Dowler's inclusion of her own personal and professional experiences navigating the world of sexual health is as humorous as it is informative. A truly enjoyable read.
Dr. Dowler's fascination with sexually transmitted infections is rivaled only by her passion to educate individuals about them. From one-on-one conversations with patients, to creative raps, engaging presentations for healthcare professionals, and now this book, her goal is to make sure people understand the risks that exist when things get intimate.
Introduction: You May Be Wondering Why I Have Called You Together Today
1. Sex in the Twenty-First Century
2. The Biology of Aging and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
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Introduction: You May Be Wondering Why I Have Called You Together Today
1. Sex in the Twenty-First Century
2. The Biology of Aging and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
4. Treatable, Curable STDs
5. Treatable, Not Curable STDs
6. Treatable, Incurable, Potentially Life-Limiting STDs
7. The Great Mimics: Things That Are Probably Not STDs
8. Staying on Top of Things (So to Speak)
9. Playing It Safe: An Ounce of Prevention
10. Ready, Set, Sex
Acknowledgments
Appendix
References
Index
with Hopkins Press Books