Gynecology and sexuality in middle-aged women

In Sweden and other Western societies, the number of women above the age of 40 is increasing and health and well-being of middle-aged women is an increasing matter of concern. This study examines menstrual histories, gynecological operations, urinary incontinence, and reproductive functions in a representative sample of middle-aged women, as well as the frequency of climacteric symptoms and how to predict the women at risk for acquiring these symptoms. The sexuality of the mature woman as also explored. Women aged 37 to 66 years were randomly selected from the Census Register in Goteborg, Sweden. The bulk of information was obtained by means of questionnaires. Among the findings are that the median age for natural menopause was 50.9 years. Forty percent of the postmenopausal women reported frequent vasomotor symptoms. The occurrence of climacteric complaints is strongly connected to psychosocial variables. Every tenth woman reported frequent urinary leakage. Fifty-three percent of the women had undergone a D&C and 9% were hysterectomized. The woman around 40 reported few sexual partners (median 3) and her first intercourse occurred at age 18. Extramarital sex was uncommon. The masturbation rate was low and the frequency of homosexuality was extremely low. The majority of women had experienced orgasm.