Older women returning to the dating scene are more at risk of sexually transmitted infections than their younger counterparts, a University of Alabama (UA) researcher has found. UA researcher Dr. Bronwen Lichtenstein came to this conclusion after analysing the health risks women over the age of 35 faced when they returned to the dating scene after the break-up of a long-term relationship. Lichtenstein's study was based around the hypothesis that after an older woman leaves a long-term relationship, she may make risky dating choices. "Being in a relationship for 20 years means you have no idea what the dating scene is like today," she said. Indeed, Lichtenstein's survey revealed that older women often faced depression, lack of health information, and lack of social support after their relationships ended.
The study also examined whether these women, who were recently divorced or widowed, were equipped with the proper health information about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases when dating. "Women are biologically more at risk for STDs at 50 than at 20, and most women don't realize it," she noted.
Almost all the women in the study reported being depressed after ending a relationship, and astonishingly, at least half the women were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. The women faced biological, emotional and personal issues, although the real problem is that the issues are not being addressed, Lichtenstein found.
"There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in returning to the dating scene - women ask 'Am I attractive?' and 'What are the rules?' - but nobody knows what the rules are because everything's changed," she said.
Lichtenstein suggested that women who are confident and assured of themselves seem to deal with difficult relationship issues better, noting that while they may not be in a better place, they can find other things to do and find a satisfying life on their own. "A good example of this is a 62-year-old woman who joined a motorcycle club and began a wonderful social life. Another example would be a woman who never married but owned her own business and had a lot of friends," she said.
Related articles:
Why It Feels Good To Be Bad
Sex After 40 A Rare Event For Single Women
Low Sex Drive - Says Who?
Single Women Have Fewer Sexual Difficulties
Sex Survey Reveals Top Turn-Ons To Be Police And Firemen
Source: University of Alabama
