It’s often seen as a taboo subject, but a new study has delved into sex in old age, and why it often becomes less satisfying.
Most previous studies have looked at the biological causes for this decline in satisfaction, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep disruptions.
But in the new study, researchers from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) instead focused on psychosocial factors, including body image concerns, self-confidence, stress, mood changes, and relationship issues.
In the study, the researchers surveyed 4,500 postmenopausal women in the UK on their sex lives.
The data revealed that over time, sexual activity became less frequent, less pleasurable and more uncomfortable for most of the respondents.
Sadly, the primary reason for this decrease in sexual activity was a lack of partner, mainly because of widowhood.
Other reasons included a partner's medical condition, a partner's sexual dysfunction, the woman's own physical health problems, menopause-related symptoms, and prescribed medication.
Meanwhile, factors contributing most to low libido included relationship problems, logistics, and perceptions of ageing.
Worryingly, only 3% of participants described their sexual experiences as positive.
Dr Stephanie Faubion, medical director at NAMS, said: “Sexual health challenges are common in women as they age, and partner factors play a prominent role in women's sexual activity and satisfaction, including the lack of a partner, sexual dysfunction of a partner, poor physical health of a partner, and relationship issues.
”In addition, menopause-related problems such as vaginal dryness and pain with sex have been identified as problems affecting sexual function, yet few women seek treatment for these issues, despite the availability of effective therapies."
