$Unique_ID{BRK01665}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Sex Life After Menopause}
$Subject{sex aging}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{
The Menstrual Cycle*0009101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sex Life After Menopause


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QUESTION:  I often read magazine articles offering advice about sex to older
men.  They are of little use to me, for as I advance in age and pass my
menopause, I could use some information too.  How about giving us older gals
some help and advice?

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ANSWER:  I am truly pleased to answer your question.  Actually, I get more
letters from older women about this subject than I do from the fellows.
     An older woman can indeed have a wonderful, healthy sex life after
menopause.  Despite some physical changes, an older woman's sexual response
cycle usually remains in good working order.  Multiple orgasms can still be
achieved, although in some cases, the intensity and duration may be slightly
less than in the pre-menopausal woman.
     The physical changes that might hamper sexual activity include atrophy of
parts of the vagina, which increases the risk of trauma, infection and
vaginitis.  The pH factor rises and necessary secretions diminish.  Elasticity
is lessened in the vaginal wall, and the cervix shrinks.  However, most women
are still very capable of achieving sexual pleasure, and should consider it a
healthy part of their lives.  Aging ovaries produce less estrogen than they
used to, and many doctors recommend estrogen replacement therapy.  In many
cases, the added estrogen helps relieve or reduce hot flushes, atrophy of the
genitals and osteoporosis.  The therapy may also promote a sense of well
being.  There are some possible negative side effects though, and every
patient must discuss the benefits and risks with her doctor before estrogen is
prescribed.
     Another factor that may impede the sex life of an older woman includes
the availability of an acceptable partner.  Because women statistically live
longer than men, many elderly women are either widowed or their husbands are
seriously ill or disabled.  The woman herself may have non-sexual physical
ailments such as arthritis, neuromuscular disease, or osteoporosis, which can
impair sexuality.
     The older woman may sink into depression because of her own or her
partner's physical ailments and lose interest in activities that are
pleasurable, such as sex.  It is important for both older women and men to
continue to develop hobbies, interests, friendships and loving relationships,
so that their self-worth remains high and interest in their own sexuality will
be maintained.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
