Contraceptive status and sexual behavior in women over 35 years of age in India

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to survey the current contraception use and analyze the sexual patterns in women above 35 years of age in India. Five hundred women, of whom 250 were at least 35 years old and 250 were less than 35 years old (control group) were interviewed with the help of a prepared questionnaire. A permanent surgical method of contraception had been accepted by 40.4% of women ≥35 years old versus 16.8% of women <35 years old. Of various temporary methods, an intrauterine device (IUD) was used by 5.2% and 22.8%, oral contraceptive pills (OCs) by 1.2% and 9.6%, and natural methods by 6.4% and 3.2%, in women ≥35 years and <35 years, respectively. No contraception was used by 25.6% women ≥35 years. A history of medical termination was given by 67.18% of non-contraceptive users vs. 27.41% of contraceptive users in women ≥35 years. Coital frequency was noted at 4.32 times/month in women ≥35 years but 7.2 times/month in women <35 years. Among contraceptive users ≥35 years, coital frequency was 4.9 times/month compared with 3.9 times/month in non-contraceptive users. There is a high acceptance of irreversible sterilization and a high abortion rate in women ≥35 years. Use of contraceptives was linked with increased sexual activity and a decreased abortion rate.