Midlife No Longer A Crisis for Women, According to New Data
Most Women Over 35 Are Seizing the Midlife Moment, Making New Choices Related to Hormones, Overall Health and the Environment
WOODCLIFF LAKE, Nj., October 20, 2010 - The best is yet to come, according to U.S. women between 35 and 49. a A new online survey of 503 women shows that women view midlife optimistically1b, as a time to make improvements for the future, including eating well1c, making new contraceptive decisions1d, and considering the impact of their decisions on the environment.1e The survey, sponsored in partnership by the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and Teva Women’s Health, Inc.* shows that more than two thirds of women over 35 view midlife as a time of transition (68%) and reinvention (72%)1f, and 77% say the best years are ahead of them.1g
“Far from a time of crisis or regret, this survey shows that women regard midlife with a positive mindset as an opportunity to make healthier choices for herself and the world around her,” says Susan Wysocki, RNC, NP Executive Director, NPWH. “The new midlife woman is old enough to make sound, grown-up choices and young enough to reap the benefits.”
Maintaining a Healthy Sex Life
Seizing the “midlife moment” for this group includes having sex – 65% are interested in keeping up a healthy sex life1h, but one-quarter have stopped using a method entirely.1i While most women (75%) have taken The Pill in the past1j, just 24% of women over 35 surveyed are still on it.1k The main reason women stop or switch their birth control method is because they did not like the effects of hormones, according to the survey.1l At midlife, women may be interested in exploring a different form of pregnancy prevention following years of hormonal birth control use.1m Roughly 2 in 3 women surveyed reported they now feel healthier if they are not using hormonal birth control methods.1n
Half of the women surveyed indicated they are reluctant to take hormonal birth control1o, and 57% of them felt their bodies needed a break from hormones.1p More than three-quarters (79%) believe there are health risks associated with hormone use for women over 351q, and 76% agreed that they live a healthier lifestyle without taking hormones at this point in their lives1s, according to the survey.
“Hormonal birth control methods are certainly viable choices for women over 35. But many women at this point in their lives prefer options that are both hormone-free and long-term, such as the intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) ParaGard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive),” said Judith Reichman, MD, a women’s health expert, author of bestselling books on women’s health, including Slow Your Clock Down: The Complete Guide to a Healthy, Younger You, and an attending physician in gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “IUCs like ParaGard® free women from thinking about birth control every day. They provide hassle-free birth control protection for years.”
Making Healthier Choices and Going “Green”
Four in five (79%) women 35+ take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle1t – nearly half are getting enough sleep and seeing a healthcare provider more often, according to the survey.1u More than three quarters of women (77%) in this age group say they are now more conscious of what they put into their bodies.1v Most (78%) are paying closer attention to food ingredients1w, eating more fruits and vegetables (68%)1x and taking vitamins more regularly (58%).1y Nearly three out of four women surveyed now place greater importance on how their actions overall impact the environment compared to when they were younger1z, and 75% of women surveyed recycle more now and more than one-half buy more “green” / “eco-friendly products.1aa
“The bottom line according to the survey is that shifting attitudes about improving their health are common in women over 35,” said Dr. Reichman. “This underscores what I see in my practice every day.”
About ParaGard®
ParaGard® (intrauterine copper contraceptive) IUC may be a good option for any woman of reproductive age, but especially for women 35 and over because it offers safe2a, nonhormonal3 and highly effective4 birth control that is long-term2b yet completely reversible5a and requires no daily or weekly routines other than a simple monthly self-check5b. However, ParaGard® is not for every woman - women should talk to a healthcare professional to decide if ParaGard® is right for them.
Important Safety Information
ParaGard® does not protect against HIV or STDs. You may have heavier or longer periods or spotting between periods, which usually subsides after 2-3 months. Complications may occur from placement. You must not use ParaGard® if you have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or engage in behavior putting you at high risk for PID, have a history of certain reproductive cancers or infections, have Wilson's disease, or might be pregnant. For more information about ParaGard® visit http://www.paragard.com/global/pdf/Prescribing-Info.pdf or call 1-877-ParaGard (727-2427).
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
About National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health
The mission of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) is to assure the provision of quality health care to women of all ages by nurse practitioners.
NPWH defines quality health care to be inclusive of an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. NPWH recognizes and respects women as decision-makers for their health care. NPWH’s mission includes protecting and promoting a woman’s right to make her own choices regarding her health within the context of her personal, religious, cultural, and family beliefs.
About Teva
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., headquartered in Israel, is among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world and is the world's leading generic pharmaceutical company. The Company develops, manufactures and markets generic and innovative human pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, as well as animal health pharmaceutical products. Over 80 percent of Teva's sales are in North America and Europe.
ParaGard® is a registered trademark of Teva Women’s Health, Inc.
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*Online Survey. “Attitude and Usage Assessment of Various Birth Control Methods.” Conducted by Synovate Healthcare, funded by Teva Women’s Health, Inc., July 2010.
2a-b ACOG Practice Bulletin, Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists, January 2005, 59: 223-232
3 Johnson, B.A., Insertion and Removal of Intrauterine Devices, American Family Physician, January 1, 2005, 71 (1): 95-103
4 Trussell, James. "Contraceptive Failure in the United States." Contraception 70 (2004): 90
5a-b ParaGard® Prescribing Information
PAR-CSI-207/102343
Contacts:
Alissa Maupin or Ruth Mack
Communications Strategies, Inc.
(973) 635-6669