EFFECTS OF AGEING AND MENOPAUSE

ON SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN

EFFECTS ON SEXUAL RESPONSE


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For most women sexual function and activities decline gradually with age. Although less common, in some cases sexual function and activities increase/improve with increasing age and sexual satisfaction appears to remain at the same level or decline with age. Unlike sexual function, the prevalence of sexual difficulties don’t change with age [4].

  1. low sexual desire is associated with less frequent: initiation of sex, sexual activities and orgasm.
  2. menopausal women with low sexual desire were found to be less satisfied with their sex lives and their relationships than women with higher sexual desire [1]
  3. arousal and swelling of the clitoris and breasts take longer
  4. women need more direct clitoral stimulation and vaginal lubrication takes many minutes in women over 60, compared to 10-30 seconds in younger women, the volume of lubrication is diminished significantly. Water based artificial lubricants should be used because of vaginal dryness to prevent discomfort, and hormone replacement treatment may be recommended
  5. atrophic vaginitis [thinning and dryness of the vagina associated with the menopause] may make intercourse uncomfortable and if not treated can result in pain, vaginismus,  decreased interest in sex , and in turn lead to sexual avoidance, aversion or abstinence.
  6. abstinence is often associated with progressive shrinkage of the vagina [3]
  7. orgasmic intensity and duration is reduced, pain may occur with uterine contractions during orgasm.

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