Incidence of sexually transmitted diseases amongst a elderly cohort attending a genito-urinary medicine clinic

Background There is a general perception that sexual interest and activity does not persist into later life, with consequential failure to appreciate the potential prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the elderly. Methods Retrospective analysis of case notes of all patients over the age of 65 years who attended a Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic: 81 patients were identified over a 6 year period. Results Referral because of positive serology for syphilis accounted for 20% of patients and was the most common reason for presentation. Significantly, another 14% of patients attended for HIV testing. Of the 61 patients whose sexual history was available, 32 had sexual intercourse within the 6 months prior to attendance. Comment This review confirms the need for the medical profession to be more aware of the sexual activity and the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases in this patient group.