Health risks of sexual activity in the elderly
In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 5% of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases occurred in those ≥55 years, and almost 2% of new diagnoses were in the those ≥65 years.25 Sexually active elderly individuals are at risk for acquiring HIV, in part because they do not consider themselves to be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).26 They also might not have received education about the importance of condom use.11,26 In addition, prescribing erectile dysfunction medications for men and hormone replacement therapy for women might have played a part in increasing STDs among the elderly, particularly Chlamydia and HIV.27 The long-term effects of STDs left untreated can easily be mistaken for other symptoms or diseases of aging, which further underscores the importance of discussing sexuality with elderly patients.