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Summary
Definition of Menopause
Possitive Effects
Negative Effects
Cause of Problems
Effects of Ageing on Sexual Response
Treatments
References
EFFECTS OF AGEING AND MENOPAUSE
ON SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN
SUMMARY
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Lifespan has increased and older people are in better health than in past generations due to better nutrition and medical care. Sexual response is directly affected by age and also by the changes that occur in women’s lives over the age of 40, such as social attitudes, lifestyle, appearance, altered hormones, relationship, availability of partner, physical health and emotional wellbeing.
An excellent way to overcome many of the problems associated with ageing is to maintain the warmth and security and intimacy of a satisfying loving relationship.
In the past some women stopped sexual activity once they had completed their families for fear of pregnancy, but since effective contraception became available many continued to be sexually active through the menopause, and have found that it enriches their lives, self esteem and relationship.
No one who is physically capable of having sex is ‘too old’ to enjoy making love and benefit from it. Those who are not physically able to engage in intercourse should be helped to maintain physical and emotional intimacy with their partner.
Treatments for men with erectile dysfunction [See Erection Problems] disturbed many women because they had become accustomed to an asexual relationship, and felt threatened about having to perform. Therefore it is important for men to involve their partner when being treated.
Effects of the menopause: the ovaries stop producing estrogen and testosterone and other hormones. Testosterone ‘drives‘ libido, and this reduction can cause loss of libido, and low levels of estrogen result in lack of vaginal lubrication, making intercourse uncomfortable or painful, vaginal lubrication takes longer and more direct stimulation is needed. Regular sexual activity [including masturbation] reduces vaginal thinning and dryness by increasing blood flow and lubrication, and is beneficial for maintaining the elasticity of vaginal tissues. Hormone replacement treatment [HRT] makes the vagina more ‘usable’ and prevents the discomfort during intercourse from resulting in sexual avoidance, vaginismus or sexual aversion [See: Sexual Pain in Women].
Menopause usually coincides with a time of heavy psychological pressures: involvement in work and children may have allowed the couple to grow apart, they barely communicate, take one another for granted, no longer share enjoyable activities, and there is no joy in their relationship. Intellectual, social and emotional differences may have become barriers to sexual activities because they have grown too far apart and too set in their ways to adjust. Her partner may be at the peak of his/her career or may be retired and be unhappy or restless. Her daily chores continue while her partner may not help, and this can cause resentment. When a long term relationship becomes dull and predictable both may withdraw from any form of intimacy.
Her partner may feel unloved or suspicious that she has a lover as he/she is unaware of her hormonal, physical and emotional changes. A person feels rejection, inadequate or angry if their partner does not want to be touched or fails to respond to sexual stimuli and this may cause performance anxiety and result in dysfunction for both partners.
However, couples who enjoy each other's company and have had a good sexual relationship over the years have a greater likelihood of continuing having sex, as they find freedom from responsibilities of children and work and become more involved in their relationship and increase their sexual satisfaction.
Couples need to adjust to the changes in sexual arousal and response [See: Effects of Ageing on Men] and become aware of each other’s needs, and explore ways of stimulating one another to ensure that they maintain emotional and physical intimacy to the maximum potential that is desired and possible for both.
Although responses may take longer and the intensity of orgasm may diminish, enjoyment can be even greater than when young because of emotional security
Supportive counselling, appropriate treatment for illness, and guidance to continue sexual activity should ensure that enjoyment and physical and emotional intimacy is maintained post menopause and into old age.
