homosexuality

Introduction

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*
• homosexual men experience greater health care disparities & psychosocial stressors than heterosexual peers
  • older homosexuals experience higher rates of disability, poor mental health, smoking, & excessive drinking than older heterosexuals
• 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
• older homosexual men are more likely to live in poverty than heterosexuals
• tobacco use more common in homosexual men than heterosexual men

* LGBTQ may be reluctant to be open about sexual preference for fear of discrimination

Complications

• higher cardiovascular risk in lesbians than heterosexual women

Management

• men*
  • annual testing for:
    • HIV1
    • chlamydia
    • syphilis
    • gonorrhea
  • vaccination
    • hepatitis A
    • hepatitis B
• 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)

More general terms

• lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.

More specific terms

• men who have sex with men (MSM)