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

OBJECTIVE

To provide information on the extent of problems of urogenital ageing in older British women.

DESIGN

A MORI survey of a representative population sample of older British women.

SETTING

Home interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

Two thousand and forty-five women aged 55-85+.

RESULTS

Urogenital symptoms had affected 48.8% of the women at some time, but no more than 11% 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.