Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between previous contraceptive methods and postmenopausal health in older women.
Methods:
A questionnaire was administered to assess the health status of women aged at least 65 years. Factors associated with general health and reproductive health were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 2,746 older women were enrolled, and hypertension was the most common non-cancerous disease (37.62%, 1033/ 2746) among the group. A total of 123 patients were diagnosed with postmenopausal neoplastic disease. Breast cancer was the most common malignancy among older women (37/123, 31%). Women in the ligation group had a lower incidence of hypertension (239/1033, 23.14%), and women in the intrauterine devices (IUDs) group had a higher incidence of postmenopausal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (140/200,70%). The incidence of breast cancer significantly decreased after tubal ligation (2/37, 5.4%), whereas women who used condoms had a significantly lower incidence of cervical cancer after menopause (2/26,7.69%).
Conclusions:
Hypertension is a common condition among women aged 65 and older, and breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy. Among women aged 65 and older, the incidence of hypertension and breast cancer was lower after tubal ligation. Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in postmenopausal women. Women who used IUDs had a higher risk for HPV infection. The incidence of cervical cancer is significantly lower in women who used condoms compared to those that did not.