Correlates of Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Midlife and Older Women

Thomas, Holly N.; Hess, Rachel; Thurston, Rebecca C.

doi:10.1370/afm.1820

Cited by 93 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 27 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…In that study, the prevalence of sexual activity was 40.5% among 3,145 participants who reported using antihypertensive medications. The results of our study and others confirm that sexual activity is prevalent among many older women with HTN 31 .…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Furthermore, we did not ask why participants had not engaged in sexual activity, and thus we cannot determine whether sexually inactive participants also had sexual dysfunction. Also, although SPRINT assesses living arrangement, we did not initially ask participants regarding relationship status, availability of a sexual partner 31 ; or the health or sexual function of partners, each of which may influence sexual activity and satisfaction.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

Foy

Newman

Berlowitz

et al. 2016

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction Sexual function, an important component of quality of life, is gaining increased research and clinical attention in older women with hypertension. Aims To assess the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and other variables, and sexual activity and sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women. Methods Baseline analysis of 635 women participants of a larger randomized clinical trial of 9361 men and women. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported sexual activity (yes/no), and sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI). Results 452 participants (71.2%) reported having no sexual activity during the previous 4 weeks. The mean (SD) FSFI score for sexually active participants was 25.3 (6.0), and 52.6% of the sample reported a FSFI score ≤26.55 designating sexual dysfunction. In logistic regression models, SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity (AOR = 1.002; p >0.05). Older age (AOR=0.95, p <0.05), and lower education (AOR for 0.05). Higher depressive symptoms from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was associated with higher odds of sexual dysfunction (AOR = 1.24, p<0.05), as was increased number of physical comorbidities (AOR = 1.25, p <0.05). Diuretic use was associated with lower odds of being sexually active in CKD participants (AOR = 0.33, p<0.05). Conclusions Younger age, higher education, living with others, and higher weekly alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher odds of being sexually active in a sample of middle-aged and older women with hypertension. Increased depressive symptoms and increased physical comorbidities were significantly associated with increased odds of sexual dysfunction. SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity or sexual dysfunction. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01206062

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

Foy

Newman

Berlowitz

et al. 2016

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Many of the predictors of increased satisfaction in SWAN were psychosocial as opposed to physical; availability of a partner (especially a new partner), higher ratings of the importance of sex, fewer mood symptoms, and more positive attitudes about aging were associated with better emotional and physical sexual satisfaction. A cross-sectional analysis of 1345 women in the second Midlife in the United States (MIDUS 2) study likewise found that menopause status was not associated with overall sexual satisfaction, but psychosocial variables, including relationship satisfaction, communication with one’s partner, and importance of sex were associated with overall sexual satisfaction (36). These findings suggest that while some aspects of physical sexual function may decline during midlife, sexual satisfaction appears to be stable.…”

Section: Changes In Sexual Function Over the Menopause Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: A narrative review

2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A satisfying sex life is an important component of overall well-being, but sexual dysfunction is common, especially in midlife women. The aim of this review is (a) to define sexual function and dysfunction, (b) to present theoretical models of female sexual response, (c) to examine longitudinal studies of how sexual function changes during midlife, and (d) to review treatment options. Four types of female sexual dysfunction are currently recognized: Female Orgasmic Disorder, Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, and Substance/Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. However, optimal sexual function transcends the simple absence of dysfunction. A biopsychosocial approach that simultaneously considers physical, psychological, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors is necessary to guide research and clinical care regarding women’s sexual function. Most longitudinal studies reveal an association between advancing menopause status and worsening sexual function. Psychosocial variables, such as availability of a partner, relationship quality, and psychological functioning, also play an integral role. Future directions for research should include deepening our understanding of how sexual function changes with aging and developing safe and effective approaches to optimizing women’s sexual function with aging. Overall, holistic, biopsychosocial approaches to women’s sexual function are necessary to fully understand and treat this key component of midlife women’s well-being.

show abstract

“…Studies of sexuality and aging in older adults who enjoyed the benefits of sexuality throughout their lives (Laumann et al, 2006;Thomas, Hess, & Thurston, 2015) supported the idea that continuing active sex lives into later life contributed to quality of life and increased life satisfaction. From a classic study (Bergström-Walan & Nielsen, 1990) to a recent examination of aging Iranian women (Ravanipour, Gharibi, & Gharibi, 2013), it is apparent that sexual interest in older adults remains a vital part of relationships.…”

Section: Positive Factorsmentioning

confidence: 98%

A phenomenological study of romantic love for women in late life

Moore

Sailor

2017

Journal of Women & Aging

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Romantic love in late life is often beneficial, though not without challenges. Financial concerns and objections of adult children can interfere with a late-life individual's decision to commit to a romantic relationship. In this study, the experience of romantic love for women who enter committed relationships in later life was examined. Fourteen women between the ages of 65 and 84 who had lived the experience of romantic love in late life were interviewed. By using Moustakas's qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological method, several themes emerged to provide a description of the phenomena. These themes included openness to experience, attraction, commitment, adjournment, and generativity. According to the findings of this study, women in late life who form committed romantic love relationships negate the physical and emotional effects of loneliness brought about by bereavement or single status in late-life women. In addition, this study found these women were attracted to partners to fulfill their needs for love, esteem, spiritual connection, and self-actualization.

show abstract

Correlates of Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Midlife and Older Women

Cited by 93 publications

References 27 publications

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

A biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: A narrative review

A phenomenological study of romantic love for women in late life

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About