Why are older women more reluctant to have sex? & bull; hello healthy

Human sexual arousal tends to decrease with age. However, it is women who are most affected by this aging effect. Older female sex drive can decrease 2-3 times more drastically than men, and generally begins to be felt as early as the age of 40 years. So, are these factors alone that make older women more reluctant to have sex at old age or are there other factors?

There are many reasons why older women are increasingly reluctant to have sex

The link between women's age and decreased sexual desire has been investigated by a study published in the journal North American Menopause Society (NAMS). This study discusses factors other than biology that influence the decrease in sexual desire in elderly women.

This study looked at about 4500 women in the UK and the United States aged 35-64 years, are in serious relationships with their partners, and experience depression. These women were also known to have gone through menopause and were enrolled in an ovarian cancer screening trial.

Before cancer screening began, the women who were the study subjects were still sexually active, but admitted that their arousal had decreased. A decrease in arousal is characterized by the frequency of having sex that decreases, feeling that sex is no longer pleasant and enjoyable, or even complaining of discomfort during sex.

From this study, it is known that psychological factors also play a major role in reducing the sex drive of elderly women to be reduced. Among them are negative self-image, lack of confidence, stress, change mood typical symptoms of menopause, and household problems with partners.

Other reasons have to do with partners, such as erectile dysfunction and other health problems.

Menopause can decrease the sex drive of older women

One of the main factors for decreased sexual desire in women is menopause. In this phase, a woman's body will lose estrogen and testosterone, which affects her sex drive.

Postmenopausal women may become less sensitive and find it difficult to reach orgasm during sex. Not to mention the mood swings at menopause which can reduce sexual gairal.

Low levels of estrogen also decrease blood supply to the vagina. This affects the lubrication of the vagina and makes it dry, causing pain during intercourse.

Other factors that reduce sexual interest in elderly women at menopause are sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, stress, side effects of drug consumption, and sleep disorders.

How to increase the sex drive of elderly women

The good news, older women are not always sure to experience a decrease in sex drive.

In some menopausal women, sexual arousal actually increases. Quoted from WebMD, increased sexual desire in menopausal women is caused by a lack of anxiety related to pregnancy opportunities.

Another factor has to do with the reduced responsibility of elderly women in raising children, so that they become more relaxed and enjoy being with their partner.

Remember, there are many factors that affect the sex drive of older women. If you and your partner become tenuous because of low sexual desire and satisfaction, don't hesitate to consult a doctor for proper treatment.