Sexual functioning in 4,418 postmenopausal women participating in UKCTOCS: a qualitative free-text analysis

Abstract

This report uses data from 2015 and 2016 to examine the use of prescribed medicines by adults living in their own homes in England. It provides information on the number of prescribed medicines taken in the last week, and the proportion of the population taking specific classes of medicines, by sociodemographic and health factors. Key findings  In 2015/16 48% of adults had taken at least one prescribed medicine (not including contraception or nicotine replacement therapy) in the last week. This increased with age from 19% of young adults aged 16 to 24 to more than 90% of those aged 75 and over. The proportion of adults taking one or more prescribed medicines was similar to 2012/13.  In 2015/16, 24% of adults were taking three or more medicines.  The prevalence of prescribed medicine use was higher in more deprived areas: 54% of adults in the most deprived fifth of areas took at least one medicine, compared with 45% in the least deprived areas.  Prescribed medicine use was much higher than average among those with self-reported bad or very bad general health (85%), a limiting or non-limiting longstanding condition (76% and 71% respectively), or probable mental ill health (63%).  The most commonly used prescribed medicines were antihypertensives (by 15% of adults) and lipid-lowering medicines (14%); followed by proton-pump inhibitors for reducing acid in the stomach (11%); analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11%); and antidepressants (10%).

Effects of lifestyle on sexual function among postmenopausal women

“…Similar results have been found in previous studies. However, the range was wide across the studies, but, numerous studies reported a high prevalence of SD among Postmenopausal women 6,10,11 . The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the study of Nazarpour et al 11 Was reported to be 61%.…”

“…Literature Review on the main causes of morbidity and mortality demonstrated that factors of lifestyle are the main contributors to many major health problems and this is mainly true for the elderly 5 . Healthy behavior habits, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and contributes to the prevention or delay of symptoms and complications of menopause in women such as hot flash and vaginal dryness 6 . A healthy lifestyle is necessary for normal sex 3 .…”

Prevalence and associated risk factors for sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women: a study from Iran

“…Of these, although the inclusion of sexual frequency in the model seems somewhat teleological (e.g. reduced arousal/desire so reduced frequency), evidence suggests that the frequency of sexual intercourse independently might play an important role in improved or decreased sexual function in postmenopausal women [ 22 , 23 ]. However, due to the small sample size, we used a parsimonious mode.…”

Association Between Body Mass Index and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality

“…3,4 Sexual function changes in women are associated with a number of factors, including age, reproductive stage, physical and emotional health status, and psychosocial factors such as the presence of a partner, partner's physical and sexual health, relationship satisfaction, and quality of communication. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Sexual health is an important part of an individual's overall health, and it has been shown to associate with quality of life as individuals age. 8,11,12 Unfortunately, sexual health concerns are highly prevalent in women across all age groups, and are generally more prevalent with advancing age.…”