Trish Morison
Universal College of Learning, New Zealand
Title: Reproductive health and wellbeing: Risk and vulnerability for midlife, heterosexual women in new, non-monogamous, or casual sexual relationships
Biography
Biography: Trish Morison
Abstract
Aim: The rate of sexually transmitted infections amongst midlife and older people in New Zealand, Britain, United States and Australia is rising. Popular culture increasingly celebrates a heightened sexuality for women in this population group. However, depictions of sexually savvy ‘cougars’ are at odds with reality for many women. International literature highlights that these women are often ill-equipped to negotiate safer sex and condom use, instead focusing on pleasing men and attributing their silence to spontaneity. This study aimed to explore the enablers and barriers to safer heterosexual sex as perceived by midlife and older New Zealand women.
Methods: This qualitative study, examine women’s perspectives of vulnerability and sexual risk taking behavior. Eight single women aged 40-69 participated in individual, in-depth interviews. Interpretative phenomenology was utilized and the analysis was supported by the theory of gender and power.
Findings: Analysis indicated that these women held misconceptions about STI transmission were not aware of sexual health promotion literature and had not discussed sexual health with their GPs. The women described valuing their own pleasure and their distaste for condom use, but data emphasized that women predominantly aligned their choices with men’s preferences. The data also highlighted that, from the women’s perspective, alcohol consumption was an important factor in safer sex decision making.
Conclusion: This study highlights that midlife women are both ill-informed and vulnerable with regards to sexual health.