Jane Fowler found herself back on the dating scene after being married 23 years. Then, she found out she had HIV.

"I was not promiscuous at all," Fowler said. "I went out with men who were known to me. They had been married and had divorced. They were acquaintances."

After dating a few years and having unprotected sex, the mother and grandmother got her diagnosis when she was 56.

"I thought they mixed my blood up with someone else's," Fowler, now 73, said.

She hadn't felt it necessary to use condoms.

"Women who had gone through menopause or a procedure to not get pregnant didn't use rubbers. That's what we called them," she said. "They were strictly used for contraception, so if you didn't need contraception, why did you need a condom?"

Fowler has set out to change this type of thinking among baby boomers and older Americans. She helped found the National Association of HIV Over 50 and HIV Wisdom For Older Women.

No matter what their ages, Fowler cautioned everyone about the dangers of having unprotected sex. She said protection is a must for everyone who isn't in a mutually monogamous relationship where both people are sure they are disease-free.

"If your partner refuses to use protection, you better find a new partner," she said.

Fowler's warning comes at a time when more vigilance is needed.

STDs Up Among Boomers

According to research in the journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections, the rates of sexually transmitted infections have doubled among the over 45 population in less than a decade.

The most commonly diagnosed infection among the over 45s was genital warts, accounting for almost half of the episodes. Herpes was the next most common, accounting for almost one in five.

Cases of Chlamydia, herpes, warts, gonorrhea and syphilis all rose sharply.

Christopher Scipio, a holistic herpes and human papillomavirus specialist, agrees with Fowler that people should discuss practicing safe sex. He added that baby boomers should also talk about what they have and have not been tested for.

Scipio, 43, was diagnosed with herpes at 24 years old. He wanted to turn a negative into a positive with his practice, which provides an individualized approach to treating the virus.

He said that women typically have more symptoms than men, and women 35 to 50 have hormonal imbalances and this may trigger outbreaks.

Boomers Get Tested

He added that it is important for Baby Boomers to get tested and then be honest with prospective partners.

"Baby boomers don't go into the doctor's office for a herpes test," he said, adding that a blood test is required.

Scipio said only about 30 percent of the people infected, whatever their age group, know that they are infected.

But sexual activity for boomers does not have to stop after a positive diagnosis.

"It doesn't have to be doom and gloom," he said. "People just have to be straightforward."

Precautions such as condoms or an antiviral gel or lubricant can help lower the chances of transmitting the virus.

Be Honest About STDs

Although he deals with people who are angry, embarrassed and ashamed, he points out to his clients that they are still the same people they were before the diagnosis.

"'Don't be a victim,' I tell people," Scipio said. "You are not less attractive, less funny, less moral … It shouldn't change your life."

Scipio said being honest is imperative.

"People are going to be impressed that you are being honest," he said. "They are going to be glad that you had the guts to tell them."

He added that in the 19 years of being infected, he has not had one person not want to be in a relationship with him because of herpes.

Sex In Assisted Living Facilities

Dr. Dorree Lynn, a psychologist, author and founder of 50 and Furthermore said the problem can be attributed to seniors being left out of the conversation involving safe sex.

"Sex in nursing homes is more common than ever," Lynn writes. "The perception among seniors is that having unprotected sex doesn't matter. They don't need birth control, so they don't use condoms. Wrong. Assisted living residences, retirement homes and families are in denial. Behind closed doors or curtains, elder couples are in fact doing it. I'd like senior facilities to work out plans that allow their residents to have intimacy, including sex, in safe, inviting and protected environments."

Lynn added that experts believe HIV infection rates among older Americans are likely higher than statistics show.

"Many of the symptoms of AIDS are often falsely diagnosed because they mimic the natural aging process," Lynn writes. "Sometimes, it's difficult for physicians to determine if a person has the flu or is infected with the virus. Symptoms of both may include night sweats, chronic fatigue, weight loss, dementia and swollen lymph nodes."

The key, she believes, is to educate baby boomers and seniors.

"So many seniors are returning to the dating scene after being divorced or widowed, and many aren't aware of the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and therefore fail to take the proper precautions," Lynn writes. "Testing and educating seniors of all ages is a must. We want them happy, healthy and alive."