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Older women report satisfaction with their sex lives
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Sexual concerns do not greatly diminish the overall quality of partnered relationships for women as they age, study data show.
“Research like this is helpful to validate that sexuality is important to women of all ages and that a woman’s sexuality does not end at menopause,” Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, chief of the division of behavioral medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, told Endocrine Today. “Normalizing sexuality in older women is critical. It is also helpful to normalize the fact that problems are likely to occur in sexual function as in other physical function as we age and for women, the decrease in sex hormone at menopause is also important to acknowledge. Women need not suffer in silence and go untreated.”
Kingsberg and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey on 505 women aged 40 years and older from the United States. Participants had at least one sexual concern and were currently in a partnered relationship. Participants were divided into groups based on age: 40 to 59 years (75%), and at least 60 years (25%).
Sociodemographic information, sexual health concerns and their related personal impact, help-seeking motivation and impact of sexual concerns on relationship quality and sexual intimacy were collected during the survey.
The two most common sexual concerns were diminished or no sexual interest and diminished or inadequate vaginal lubrication.
Compared with participants in the older age groups, participants in their 40s reported the most negative impact of sexual concerns on the enjoyment of their partnered relationship. Sexual activity was reported as important to overall quality of life by most participants except for those in their 70s.
Frequency of sexual activity was reported as less than once a month by 61% of participants. Participants who experienced painful intercourse reported they were most likely to engage in penetrative sex to please their partner.
Sexual concerns were not discussed with health care providers by 52% of participants; 70% of participants reported they initiated the discussion when it occurred.
The most commonly reported products used to alleviate sexual concerns were personal lubricants and vibrators.
Participants aged 40 to 69 years most frequently reported that good body image would increase satisfaction with their sex life; participants older than 70 years reported they were pleased with their current sex life.
“The majority of women, including older women, want a healthy sexual life and to remain sexually active,” Kingsberg told Endocrine Today. “Our study showed that even women who experience a sexual function concern still value sexual activity as in important to their overall quality of life. There are many ways that women and couple can engage in satisfying sexual activity as they age. Furthermore, there are various solutions to sexual problems, both over the counter as well as prescription-based, that can address sexual function concerns in women.”
Kingsberg added that she hopes that survey sends a message to health care professionals that speaking with patients about sexual concerns is extremely important.
“However, [health care professionals] are not addressing these concerns and it is the [health care professional’s] responsibility to open the door and initiate a discussion about sexual concerns,” she said. – by Amber Cox
Reference:
Kingsberg S, et al. P-38. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society; Oct. 5-8, 2016; Orlando, Fla.
Disclosure: The study was funded by Nuelle Inc.