[Transsexualism and sexually transmitted diseases]

The patients controlled in our Sexologic Consultation Center for disorders of sex identity had been investigated in order both to have an indication to the surgical sex inversion and to control periodically some possible associated pathologies, which are mainly sex transmitted. A protocol of search and eventual control of these pathologies has been developed, in which lues, HBV and HIV infections received particular attention. The result of the investigation, performed on 58 patients, demonstrated a high incidence of serum positivity with respect to lues and HBV markers (the later infection seems to be due both to the sexual behaviour and to narcotic addiction). HIV infection had, on the contrary, a low incidence, stressing a lower diffusion of HIV among transsexuals than homosexuals.