"Are They Still Having Sex?" STIs and Unintended Pregnancy Among Mid-Life Women

• Published in: Journal of women & aging 2005-01, Vol.17 (3), p.41-55
• Main Authors: Sherman, Christy A., Harvey, S. Marie, Noell, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Coitus - psychology; Female; Females; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Problems; Humans; Infections; Life Style; Mid-life women; Middle age; Middle Aged; Middle Aged Adults; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unwanted - psychology; Prevalence; Primary Prevention - standards; Risk Factors; Sex Education - standards; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Intercourse; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; sexually transmitted infections; Socioeconomic Factors; STD; unintended pregnancy; United States - epidemiology; Venereal Diseases; Women; Women's Health
• ISSN: 0895-2841; 1540-7322
• DOI: 10.1300/J074v17n03_04

Research has shown that women remain sexually active throughout mid-life and into the post-menopausal years. Recent data reveal that significant numbers of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and unintended pregnancies occur among mid-life women. Data on STI prevalence indicate several STIs have relatively high rates among women over age 30, including HIV and HSV-2. Racial/ethnic disparities in STI prevalence between mid-life African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian women have also been noted. Data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth reveal 51% of pregnancies among women 40 and older are unintended. Both STIs and unintended pregnancy can result in serious health consequences for mid-life women. STIs can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy can result in increased morbidity and mortality to the woman and the fetus. Mid-life women are also highly likely to go through relationship transitions (e.g., separation, divorce) and the subsequent initiation of new sexual relationships. As a result, these women are at elevated risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy. Despite these realities, there is a lack of programs addressing these two health issues among mid-life women and the unique life circumstances of women at this stage of life. The authors assert there is a compelling need for interventions to reduce STIs and unintended pregnancy in this population of women, review the literature regarding STIs and unintended pregnancy in mid-life women, identify gaps in current resources, and make recommendations for health care practice and future research.