Reasons for the adoption of celibacy among older men and women living with HIV/AIDS

The reasons for becoming celibate following diagnosis with HIV/AIDS were examined using focused interviews with 63 infected older adults (ages 50 - 68). Forty-eight percent reported they were currently celibate or had been celibate following diagnosis with HIV/AIDS. Women reported celibacy (78%) more than men (36%). Although men and women reported some similar reasons for celibacy, most notably fear of infecting others and fear of reinfection, we also found gender differences in the reasons for celibacy. Additional reasons offered by women included loss of interest in sex, anger and distrust of men, and desire to focus on themselves rather than men. Other reasons offered by men included fear of rejection or stigmatization, difficulty with sexual performance, and negative body image. The prevalence of celibacy and the finding that many reasons for celibacy are related to fear, anger, and distrust suggests that older adults may have difficulty resuming healthy sexual relationships following diagnosis with HIV/AIDS.