Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Rape

To the Editor: In their article on sexually transmitted diseases in victims of rape, Jenny et al. (March 15 issue)* come to the conclusion "that the prevalence of preexisting sexually transmitted diseases is high in victims of rape." This conclusion is based on their study at a single institution over a limited period. The sample was relatively small, and we are given no socioeconomic or demographic description of the victims or information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in an appropriate matched population unexposed to sexual assault. In spite of these limitations, the authors reach the conclusion that women . . .