PSYCHOSEXUAL PROBLEMS IN THE CONTRACEPTIVE CONSULTATION – AM I TOO OLD FOR SEX?
Diffidence about asking for contraception or with continuing it may occur as part of a difficulty in accepting the sexual activity of ‘older’ women. One woman said she hated attending the family planning clinic because it was ‘full of young girls who look at you as if you were a dirty old woman’. A family planning nurse said at a conference on the needs of young people that the over-40s could do with separate clinics to protect them from embarrassment as well. The frequency of marital break-up means that many women are faced with a sudden upsurge in their sexual activity and a need for excellent contraception within a new partnership after many years of needing little or no contraception, the partner having had a vasectomy, or from lack of intercourse. One older woman, after several years of absence from the family planning clinic, brought to the clinic doctor the photograph of her new partner, as well as sharing her intense excitement in this new sexual relationship. She could not share it with anyone else, as she felt they would think her disgusting and lustful. The request for contraception needs to be considered together with the social behaviour making it necessary. There is plenty of potential for preventive work in every consultation. A calm acceptance of sexual activity at any age helps to make patients feel more comfortable about discussing their contraceptive and sexual needs.
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