Factsheets

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27th May 2009
Sex, relationships and cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support is launching a new campaign "Sex, relationships and cancer" to raise awareness among health professionals and people affected by cancer of how cancer and its treatment affect sexual relationships.

Many people who have undergone cancer treatment find it can have a lasting and distressing impact on their relationships. The surgery or treatment received for certain types of cancer can make it physically difficult to have sex, or leave confidence shattered and body image low. This can lead to patients and their partners experiencing feelings of guilt and rejection and make communication difficult.

For more information, click here to continue to the Macmillan website.

3rd April 2009
Many over-45s 'ignore STI risks'

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain polled over 2,000 adults and found that nearly a fifth of those polled aged 45 to 54 said they had had unprotected sex with someone other than a long-term partner in the past five years. There is a misconception that their risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is "next to nothing". Not surprisingly STI rates have been increasing among people over 45.

Full story: BBC News

6th March 2009
It is never too late to start exercising.

Increasing activity levels in middle age can prolong life as much as giving up smoking. Swedish researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden monitored more than 2,200 men from the age of 50. They found those who increased activity levels from 50 to 60 ended up living as long as those who were already exercising regularly by middle age.

Full story: BBC News

6th March 2009
Sex after the menopause

New research has suggested more than 80% of menopausal women still want to have an active sex life.
An internet survey found that 84% of respondents wanted an active sex life - but nearly half found it could become uncomfortable as oestrogen levels dropped. Also, the study found 73% of women suffering such problems had not discussed them with a health professional and 92% were not getting any treatment.

Full story: BBC News

26th February 2009
Dry sex, practice and risks

The practice of 'dry sex' has been reported among women in various countries of Southern and Central Africa There has been concern about its possible role in HIV transmission, and therefore in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The practice involves the use of traditional medicines ('dry sex' traditional medicines, DSTM) to dry up the vaginal passage prior to sexual intercourse. The medicines also constrict the vaginal passage and/or increase the woman's body temperature. A combination of these effects is believed to heighten sexual pleasure, especially for the male partner. Despite this concern, there is very little detailed information about the practice, and its practitioners.

This article in the March 2009 issue of Psychology, Health & Medicine focuses on dry sex in Zambia and found that about half the women are using it.
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