Exploring sexual behaviors and health communication among older women. Issue 12 (2nd December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergeron, Caroline D.; Goltz, Heather Honoré; Szucs, Leigh E.; Reyes, Jovanni V.; Wilson, Kelly L.; Ory, Marcia G.; Smith, Matthew Lee
• Is Part Of: Health care for women international. Volume 38:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 1356
• Page End: 1372
• Publication Date: 2017-12-02
• Subjects: Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Neonatology; Obstetrics; Women -- psychology; Femmes -- Santé et hygiène -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Santé, Services de -- Périodiques; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2017.1329308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-9332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Older women around the globe are generally depicted as asexual beings, which may impact patient-provider discussions about sex. We examined data on 703 aging women in the United States to compare factors associated with women perceiving sex as important and women discussing sex with their physicians since turning 50. While 65.1% of participants perceived sex to be important, only 23.8% discussed sex with their providers since turning 50. Factors related to discussing sex included age, education, having a chronic condition, and consuming alcohol. Provider training and tools about sexual health communication could help launch those discussions about sex and increase advocacy for older women's sexual health.