Sexual healthcare needs of women aged 65 and older

OBJECTIVES: To compare prevalence and type of sexual concerns and interest in and experience with discussing these concerns with physicians for women younger than 65 and 65 and older. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Departments of Family Practice and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington. PARTICIPANTS: Of 1,480 women seeking routine gynecological care, 964 (65%) responded; 163 (17%) were aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported sexual concerns and interest in and experience with discussing these concerns with their physicians. RESULTS: Older women had a similar number of sexual concerns as younger women and were more likely to be concerned about their partner's sexual difficulties. Older women were less likely to have ever had the topic of sexual health raised during healthcare visits. Even though these women were more likely to report youthful-appearing physicians as hindering the topic of sexual health, the majority indicated that they would have discussed their concerns had the physician raised the topic and were interested in a follow-up appointment to do so. CONCLUSION: Although the types of sexual concerns vary in frequency, women aged 65 and older have a similar number of sexual concerns as younger women. Older women want physicians to inquire about their sexual health. This discussion should include inquiries about their partner's sexual functioning. To overcome age as a barrier to this discussion, younger physicians should be particularly attentive to initiating the topic of sexual health.