Sex, Menopause, and Culture

Winterich, Julie A.

doi:10.1177/0891243203253962

Cited by 126 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Equally, the high representation of women partners in this factor supports previous research which reported that a significant proportion of women partners of men with prostate cancer did not encourage help-seeking for a sexual problem, with many women resigned to, or accepting of, sexual changes [60]. Sex which is less focused on penetration, and more focused on other forms of intimacy, has also been reported to be preferred by many midlife and older women [66-68], with hugging, kissing, touching [69], as well as relationship closeness [70], being included in definitions of sex. Cancer may serve to legitimate such women resisting the coital imperative, and exploring non-coital, non-genital intimacy.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Constructions of sex and intimacy after cancer: Q methodology study of people with cancer, their partners, and health professionals

2013

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BackgroundThe increasing number of individuals living with cancer has led to a focus on the quality of life of survivors, and their families. Sexual wellbeing is a central component of quality of life, with a growing body of research demonstrating the association between cancer and changes to sexuality and intimacy. However, little is known about patient and professional understanding of cancer and sexuality post-cancer. This study was designed to explore the complex perspectives that people with personal and professional experience with cancer hold about sexuality in the context of cancer.MethodsAn interview study using Q methodology was conducted with 44 people with cancer, 35 partners of a person with cancer and 37 health professionals working in oncology. Participants were asked to rank-order 56 statements about sexuality and intimacy after cancer and asked to comment on their rankings in a subsequent semi-structured interview. A by-person factor analysis was performed with factors extracted according to the centroid method with a varimax rotation.ResultsA three-factor solution provided the best conceptual fit for the perspectives regarding intimacy and sexuality post-cancer. Factor 1, entitled “communication – dispelling myths about sex and intimacy” positions communication as central to the acceptance of a range of satisfying sexual and intimate practices post-cancer. Factor 2, “valuing sexuality across the cancer journey,” centres on the theme of normalizing the experience of sex after cancer through the renegotiation of sex and intimacy: the development of alternative sexual practices. Factor 3, “intimacy beyond sex,” presents the view that even though sex may not be wanted, desired, or even possible following cancer, quality of life and relationship satisfaction are achieved through communication and non-genital intimacy.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the complexity of perspectives about sexuality and intimacy post cancer, which has practical implications for those working in cancer care and survivorship. Therapists and other health professionals can play an important role in ameliorating concerns surrounding sexual wellbeing after cancer, by opening and facilitating discussion of sexuality and intimacy amongst couples affected by cancer, as well as providing information that normalizes a range of sexual and intimate practices.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Constructions of sex and intimacy after cancer: Q methodology study of people with cancer, their partners, and health professionals

2013

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“…We were told by nearly all the women over 50 that they were now too old for a new relationship. Reduced sexual desire at menopause is well-documented (Sarrel 1990;Winterich 2003;Wood, Mansfield, and Koch 2007). For Uganda, Wolff, Blanc and Gage (2000, 315), catalogue some 'culturally mandated periods' during which women may refuse sex including menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding and also, significantly for older women, after menopause.…”

Section: Those Without Partnersmentioning

confidence: 97%

Sex after ART: sexual partnerships established by HIV-infected persons taking anti-retroviral therapy in Eastern Uganda

Seeley

Russell

Khana

et al. 2009

Culture, Health & Sexuality

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This paper explores the social contexts that influence the formation and nature of sexual partnerships among people on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). We draw on the findings of a qualitative, longitudinal study of 70 people (36 women and 34 men) who have been participating in a home-based ART programme for over three years in Eastern Uganda. Since initiating ART, 32 (18 men and 14 women) participants reported having had a new partner. Five participants (4 men and 1 woman) renewed relationships with spouses with whom they had been prior to starting ART. Overall, 37 of the 70 participants had had a sexual partner after starting ART. Companionship, material support, social and cultural norms, as well as a desire for sex and children, are drivers of new relationships. The opportunity that ART brings for people to get on with their lives brings with it a reinstatement into a social world that places a value on marriage and child-bearing. The sexual rights of those living with HIV and on ART need to be taken seriously and safer sex facilitated.

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“…As Winterich (2003) infers, however, very little research explores the positive sexual changes during the climacteric period.…”

Section: Our Aim In Conducting This Study Is To Describe the Represenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Representations and Perceived Consequences of Menopause by Peri- and Post-Menopausal Portuguese Women: A Qualitative Research

Pimenta

Leal

Marôco

et al. 2011

Health Care for Women International

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Sex, Menopause, and Culture

Cited by 126 publications

References 21 publications

Constructions of sex and intimacy after cancer: Q methodology study of people with cancer, their partners, and health professionals

Constructions of sex and intimacy after cancer: Q methodology study of people with cancer, their partners, and health professionals

Sex after ART: sexual partnerships established by HIV-infected persons taking anti-retroviral therapy in Eastern Uganda

Representations and Perceived Consequences of Menopause by Peri- and Post-Menopausal Portuguese Women: A Qualitative Research

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