Sexually active older adults develop syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases

“Have there been any falls in the last 90 days? Are you sleeping well, getting enough exercise, eating well? What medications are you taking?” My family doctor asked the questions you would expect at the annual physical of someone who has just turned 60.

However, there was one topic she didn’t mention. Even though she knew that I was recently divorced, the doctor did not ask whether I had become sexually active or discuss testing for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I didn’t ask her for sex either.