Minerva

Minerva is happy to report that older women have good sex. A questionnaire study of more than 2000 women (mean age 55.9 years) found that at least 75% were sexually active and 60% reported having sex at least once a month. The research found that satisfaction with sexual activity was associated with African-American ethnic origin, lower body mass index, and good mental health, whereas sexual dysfunction correlated with a college degree, poor health, being in a “significant relationship,” and a low mental health score (Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006;107: 755-64).

Female doctors may find themselves treated with contempt by nurses when they become inpatients themselves. A GP whose uterus perforated because she was so determined not to express any pain while having a coil fitted went on to be virtually ignored when she was admitted for an emergency laparoscopy to fish the device out. Don't tell anyone you're a doctor, she writes, and take your own bedpan with you (Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2006;32: 131).

Our love of omega-3 fatty acids may diminish after a recent meta-analysis that found a poor association with cardiovascular improvement. Their benefit for the nervous system has been reaffirmed, however (Nature 2006;440: 813-17). Researchers found …