Study Finds Sexual Activity Reduces Menopausal Discomfort in Women
A recent study indicates that women who participate in regular sexual activity may face fewer symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain. Researchers surveyed over 900 women aged 40 to 79, discovering that while aspects like sexual desire and lubrication tend to decline with age, both orgasm and overall satisfaction tend to remain quite stable.
Those who were sexually active in the three months prior reported experiencing less GSM-related discomfort compared to their less active counterparts. This points to the possibility that engaging in sexual activity could help maintain genital health as women transition into and through menopause.
Key Findings
- GSM Symptoms: Regular sexual engagement correlates with fewer symptoms of vulvar discomfort, dryness, and irritation.
- Age and Satisfaction: Despite decreases in desire and arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction hold steady as women age.
- Treatment Shortcomings: Only 2.9% of those surveyed acknowledged using hormone therapy, which is known to alleviate GSM symptoms.
It’s well understood that many women experience a dip in sexual interest as they age, but research indicates that the frequency of orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction doesn’t see a similar decline. This study highlights that engaging in regular sexual activity could potentially ease common issues such as vulvar pain, irritation, and dryness—factors contributing to reduced sexual desire in older women.
The findings were published in the journal Menopause, as part of a broader exploration into the effects of estrogen deficiency during and following menopause. GSM can diminish a woman’s quality of life and even affect her life expectancy.
In 2014, GSM was specifically defined to encompass a range of symptoms associated with decreased estrogen and sex steroid levels, impacting sexual, genital, and urinary health—all crucial to women aged 40 to 70. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the frequency of sexual activity and vulvovaginal symptoms.
For the study, “regular sexual activity” was defined as participation within the past three months. Researchers found that as age increased, the number of women engaging in regular sexual activity significantly dropped, aligning with the observed decreases in scores related to sexual desire, arousal, and lubrication. Interestingly, however, the scores for orgasm and satisfaction remained unchanged.
The data suggested that while some sexual functions and symptoms may change with age, those who maintain regular sexual activity can experience fewer GSM-related symptoms. The researchers noted that only a small fraction of participants utilized hormone therapy, despite its effectiveness in managing bothersome symptoms associated with GSM.
“These results underscore the need for effective screening and treatment approaches for GSM,” commented Dr. Monica Christmas, an associate medical director for The Menopause Society. She expressed that it’s essential for all women—regardless of their sexual activity—to have access to treatments like local low-dose vaginal estrogen, which can safely address uncomfortable symptoms contributing to pain and decreased sexual engagement.
Thus, while the benefits of sexual health are widely acknowledged and vital to overall well-being, it’s equally crucial to recognize how GSM symptoms can affect even those who are not currently active sexually.
