Sexually transmitted infections in the older woman.
Dependent upon sexual behaviour peri- and postmenopausal women are increasingly at risk of sexually transmitted infections, although the overall rates remain low when compared with younger people. Symptoms are often non-specific or absent and may be misinterpreted as being due to the menopause. In addition, both the women and their clinicians may not be aware of their infection risk, thus leading to a delayed or missed diagnosis. Risk assessment and referral for screening of infections should be carried out wherever appropriate.
Drew
Olivia
O
Genitourinary Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK. oedrew@yahoo.com
Sherrard
Jackie
J
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*