Urogenital ageing and its effect on sexual health in older British women

Abstract

Objective To provide information on the extent of problems of urogenital ageing in older British women. were currently affected by individual symptoms; however, these were often of long duration. The majority (73%) were not sexually active, with lack of a partner being a factor for many. There was also a decreasing prevalence of sexual activity with increasing age. Those sexually active in the 65-74 year old age group (n = 148) tended to have a similar sexual frequency (at least once per month) compared with the younger women studied. Approximately 12% of those who reported dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness claimed a severe problem; 33% did not seek professional advice and 36% resorted to an over the counter remedy. Use of hormone replacement therapy was generally of relatively short duration. There was a declining gradient of ever-use with age.Conclusions The extent of significant urogenital symptoms is relatively low, but some women are seriously affected and use self-help as well as professional assistance. The extent of sexual activity in older women and factors affecting this have been defined, and the effect of urogenital symptoms on sexual activity demonstrated.

Incidence and Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Consensus Statement from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015

“…In total, 6% of Moroccan 33 and Swedish 17 women reported some degree of vaginismus, which did not appear to be related to age. The prevalence of dyspareunia was reported as low as 1% in Australian women 34 and 2% in elderly British women, 35 whereas other studies found that dyspareunia was present in as many as 14% to 27% of women. 16,18,19,26,27,32 Several investigations described increasing dyspareunia with increasing age.…”

A population-based survey of sexual activity, sexual problems and associated help-seeking behavior patterns in mature adults in the United States of America

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The prevalence of the male sexual problems of erectile dysfunction and early ejaculation and their related risk factors have been investigated most extensively, whereas fewer studies have focused specifically on female sexual dysfunction. 13,14 Moreover, relatively little is known about the average frequency of sexual activity and the importance of sexual relationships among older men and women, although the few studies that have examined sexuality in mature adults have reported that sexual interest and activity persist well into older age. 15,16 The published studies of the prevalence and correlates of sexual problems in developed and developing countries have used a variety of different study designs and definitions, which makes valid cross-national comparisons difficult.…”

Prevalence of sexual problems and related help-seeking behaviors among mature adults in Brazil: data from the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors

“…[11][12][13][14][15] The prevalence and correlates of the male sexual disorders of erectile dysfunction and early ejaculation have been studied most extensively, while fewer investigations have looked specifically at female sexual problems. 16,17 Furthermore, relatively little has been reported about the usual frequency of sexual activity and the value and significance of sexual relationships for older individuals, although the few published studies in this area have concluded that sexual interest and activity persist well into older age. [18][19][20] The published literature on the prevalence and correlates of sexual disorders comprises studies conducted in developed and developing countries that have employed a wide variety of study designs and definitions.…”