Contents

Search

homosexuality

In reference to those who prefer sex with others of the same sex, i.e. men who have sex with men. The term lesbian is often used for women who prefer sex with women. * Also see LGBTQ Epidemiology: - although many older gay men report involuntary job loss, they are more likely to be employed than the general older population (in part due to greater financial stress than heterosexual men) - older gay men are more likely to have experienced job discrimination due to sexual orientation than heterosexual men* - older gay men are more likely to have experienced death of a partner than heterosexual men - older gay men are more likely to be single & live alone than heterosexual men - older gay men are less likely to own a home than heterosexual men - tobacco use more common in homosexual men than heterosexual men * LGBTQ may be reluctant to be open about sexual preference for fear of discrimination [2] Complications: - higher cardiovascular risk in lesbians than heterosexual women [2] Management: 1) men* a) annual testing for: - HIV1 - chlamydia - syphilis - gonorrhea b) vaccination - hepatitis A - hepatitis B 2) women (lesbians)* - encourage thorough washing of sex toys after use * it seems not unreasonable that recommendations for management could apply to both men & women (editorial comment)

Specific

men who have sex with men (MSM)

General

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ)

References

  1. Prescriber's Letter 9(6):31 2002
  2. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 10th edition (GRS10) Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2019 - Geriatric Review Syllabus, 11th edition (GRS11) Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2022
  3. Fredriksen-Goldsen KI, Bryan AEB, Jen S et al. The unfolding of LGBT lives: key events associated with health and well-being in later life. Gerontologist. 2017;57(suppl 1):S15-S29 PMID: 28087792 PMCID: PMC5241757 Free PMC article https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/57/suppl_1/S15/2904670
  4. Goldsen J, Bryan AE, Kim HJ et al. Who says I do: the changing context of marriage and health and quality of life for LGBT older adults. Gerontologist. 2017;57(suppl 1):S50-S62 PMID: 28087795 PMCID: PMC5241756 Free PMC article https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/57/suppl_1/S50/2904666