title: Sexually transmitted diseases and rape: the experience of a sexual assault centre.
abstract: Epidemiological data and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are presented from a group of 90 women screened following rape. Forty-eight (53%) women knew their assailant. In 6 cases multiple assailants were involved. In 21 (23%) rapes weapons were used. Of 47 women examined within 48 hours of rape, 17 (36%) had evidence of genital trauma. Anal injury was common (8 of 11, 73%) in those reporting anal intercourse. Anal assault (17 of 90, 19%) and oral assault (16 of 90, 18%) commonly accompanied rape. STDs were diagnosed in 13 (14.4%) women, 3 having mixed infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated in 2 women, Chlamydia trachomatis in 7, Trichomonas vaginalis in 6, genital warts in 2 and Pediculosis pubis in 2 women. Five of 16 cervical cytology results showed abnormalities, 2 were suggestive of CIN. Eleven of 13 women with an STD (84.6%) had been sexually active within the 3 months prior to the rape. Previous sexual activity may be the most relevant factor determining those most at risk of harbouring an STD.
authors.affiliation: St Mary's Sexual Assault Centre, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Lacey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003151:Community Health Centers; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011902:Rape / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*