Women's Sexuality: From Aging to Social Representations

摘要: Abstract Introduction Studies designed in northern countries show that most women are still sexually active after the age of 50. Many factors other than hormones influence sexual life and middle age; they include social status, personal characteristics, physical psychological conditions, relationship factors, representations sexuality. Aim This study aims to analyze various components sexuality, including its representations, among aged 45–55 years, as reach menopause. Methods Comparison three groups: all postmenopausal (277), not currently using hormonal treatment (HT) (209), HT (68), with a reference group premenopausal (408). All were recruited national general population‐based survey behaviors interviewed by telephone. Main Outcome Measures Practices, function, satisfaction, expectations concerning Results The did differ according menopausal status for activity, practices (wide range beyond intercourse), dysfunction, or satisfaction. They also attributed equal importance Nevertheless, although report less activity women, likely consider 3‐month period without sex is sign difficulty (30.3% vs. 47.7%; odds ratio: 0.35 [0.21–0.57], P  = 0.000). difference was observed between women. Conclusions Our results suggest middle‐aged who at onset menopause, biological/hormonal changes characterizing menopause do negatively affect life. Any negative reported effects on sexuality more due anticipation around biological effects. effect this point women's lives may thus be symbolic biological, expressed form old age. Ringa V, Diter K, Laborde C, Bajos N. Women's sexuality: From aging representations. J Sex Med 2013;10:2399–2408.