Sex Lives of Older Women More likely Hindered by
Physical Problems than Older Men's
New survey looks at sexual attitudes, problems of
those ages 50 through 70
Sept.
25, 2008 – Most people are aware of the physical problems that hinder an
active sex life for many older men - it created a boom in erectile
dysfunction drugs. A new study of adults aged 50 to 70 finds, however,
it is actually older women who are most likely to find pleasurable sex
hindered by physical problems.
The majority of those surveyed agreed that men
would be more likely than women to experience physical symptoms that
decrease frequency of sex with age. However, more women (67%) than men
(59%) reported actually having experienced symptoms that affected their
ability to have sex.
While the majority of these older adults agree that
decreased frequency, physical ability to have or desire for sex is
expected with age, the survey indicates that women were less prepared
than men for the physical changes that are often associated with
menopause that would affect their sex lives.
Sixty-five percent of women who experienced
menopause-induced sexual symptoms reported they did not anticipate that
they would experience these types of symptoms.
This compares to 51 percent for men, according to
the "Sex, Menopause & Relationship" survey, sponsored by Duramed
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and
conducted by Harris Interactive.
While over half (55%) of all male and female survey
respondents reported that sex is important to their overall relationship
satisfaction, the survey revealed that most adults (71%) believe that
less frequent sex is expected with age.
"The survey reveals a knowledge gap about the
challenges women and men experience as they age," says David B.
Schwartz, M.D. practicing Obstetrics & Gynecology at Christ Hospital in
Cincinnati, OH.
"The majority of people surveyed believe men are
more likely to experience sexual symptoms than women. This may be due to
the volume and ease of accessibility to information about erectile
dysfunction. Conversely, most women face sexual symptoms as they go
through menopause, with less information readily available to them."
While nearly half of adults (47%) surveyed would
prefer to have sex more often, nearly four in ten adults (38%) have
avoided sex, made an excuse not to have sex or stopped having sex due to
physical inability, physical discomfort or pain with sex. The reasons,
however, vary by gender.
"This survey reveals that women cite discomfort and
pain as the reasons for avoiding sex, while men who are avoiding sex as
they age do so because of a physical inability," said Bob Berkowitz,
PhD, relationship expert and book author. "The survey also revealed that
83 percent of those who have sex at least once a month are satisfied
with their relationships."
The survey also revealed:
● Among female respondents who reported
experiencing menopause-induced sexual symptoms, symptoms experienced
include vaginal dryness (72%), low libido (70%) and pain with sex (34%).
● Among male respondents who reported
experiencing sexual symptoms, symptoms include an inability to sustain
an erection (82%), an inability to get an erection (50%) and low libido
(27%).
● Of those who reported experiencing symptoms
nearly two-thirds (63%) of women and (59%) of men have sought
treatment.
● Fifty-one percent of men seeking treatment
reported seeking prescription medication for erectile dysfunction while
55% of women seeking treatment reported use of over-the-counter
lubricants, creams or herbal supplements.
● Among those who experienced symptoms and
sought treatment, women (66%) are more likely than men (57%) to say
their sex life is not more active at all.
"There seems to be a lack of knowledge about the
vaginal symptoms of menopause in women and the treatments available. If
women are experiencing vaginal dryness and painful sex, these may be
symptoms associated with their menopause," says Dr. Schwartz. "Women
experiencing these symptoms may be candidates for estrogen therapy
applied locally, which can be prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. I
encourage women to explore treatment options with their healthcare
providers, and discuss these with their partners."
While half of those polled (55%) believe that sex
is an important part of their satisfaction with their relationships with
their partners, communication is also important. Of the men and women
with symptoms who have discussed their symptoms with their partners, a
majority (75%) reported overall satisfaction in their relationships.
"The survey clearly illustrates the importance of
communication in a relationship because it shows that partners who are
more understanding of sexual issues are more satisfied with their
relationships," says Susan Yager-Berkowitz noted relationship author.
"Communication is important in any relationship and I encourage couples
who would like to continue a sexual relationship as they age to be open
with their partners."
Information provided by news sources:
About the
Survey
The Sex, Menopause & Relationship survey
was sponsored by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Harris Interactive(R)
conducted the online survey in the U.S. between June 25, 2008 and July
1, 2008 among 705 U.S. adults aged 50-70 who are in heterosexual
relationships with partners aged 50-70. Of the 705 survey participants,
354 are females, of whom 174 have experienced menopause-induced sexual
symptoms. Of these 174, 121 are postmenopausal and 53 are not. The
remaining 351 respondents are males, of whom 131 have experienced
symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Results for both groups were weighted
as needed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household
income. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for
respondents' propensity to be online. A full methodology is available.
About
Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman's life
when the menstrual period ceases and the ovaries permanently stop
releasing eggs. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been
without her period for a full year. While some women experience no
menopausal symptoms, others suffer severe symptoms that require
treatment. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and vaginal
atrophy are the most common menopausal symptoms. Although the majority
of women experience "natural" or spontaneous menopause, some women may
experience menopause due to a medical intervention such as surgery,
chemotherapy or radiation. For more information about menopause please
visit www.copewithmenopause.com.
About Survey
Partners
Harris Interactive is a global leader in
custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal
research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist
clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients
globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a
network of independent market research firms. For more information,
please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
About
Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which
develops and markets proprietary pharmaceutical products in North
America, focuses primarily on products for women and emphasizes the
development and marketing of products for reproductive and menopausal
needs. Currently, Duramed markets 27 proprietary pharmaceutical
products. Duramed is a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (NYSE:BRL)
, a global specialty pharmaceutical company that operates in more than
30 countries worldwide and is engaged in the development, manufacture
and marketing of generic and proprietary pharmaceuticals,
biopharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. For more
information, visit www.barrlabs.com.
Sept.
25, 2008 – Most people are aware of the physical problems that hinder an
active sex life for many older men - it created a boom in erectile
dysfunction drugs. A new study of adults aged 50 to 70 finds, however,
it is actually older women who are most likely to find pleasurable sex
hindered by physical problems.