Frequent Intercourse May Alleviate Discomfort from Menopause-Related Symptoms
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal "Cross-sectional study of the association between regular sexual activity and sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause-related symptoms," researchers have found that regular sexual activity can significantly reduce the occurrence of bothersome genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms in women.
The study, which involved over 900 women aged between 40 and 79, found that women who engaged in sexual intercourse regularly (within the past 3 months) reported significantly less vulvar pain, irritation, dryness, and discomfort—core symptoms of GSM—compared to those with lower sexual activity (only in the past year but not recent) or none at all.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that while sexual desire, arousal, and lubrication typically decline with age and menopause due to decreased estrogen, orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction did not decline significantly with age in women who were sexually active. This suggests that maintaining regular sexual activity helps preserve important aspects of sexual function despite hormonal changes.
The physiological benefits of sexual activity are believed to counteract vaginal atrophy and dryness caused by estrogen deficiency in menopause. Sexual activity likely promotes genital blood flow, tissue elasticity, and lubrication, which can help maintain the health of vaginal and vulvar tissues, reducing GSM symptoms.
The study's findings have significant implications for maintaining sexual and genital health during and after menopause. Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, suggests that treatment should be offered to anyone with symptoms, whether they are sexually active or not. She emphasizes that engaging in sex regularly during and after menopause may serve as a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate GSM symptoms and support sexual health.
Considering that GSM includes urinary symptoms as well as genital ones, maintaining sexual activity combined with other treatments such as topical estrogen or pelvic floor exercises might optimize outcomes. As sexual desire and frequency can vary widely due to physical, psychological, and relational factors, personalized approaches that address these domains along with GSM symptoms are important.
Reducing GSM symptoms through regular sexual activity can improve comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life for menopausal and postmenopausal women. The study reveals that some sexual functions and symptoms change with age but may be maintained in women who engage in more regular sexual activity. Therefore, regular sexual activity during and after menopause is linked to fewer GSM symptoms and preserved aspects of sexual satisfaction, supporting the recommendation to maintain sexual intimacy as a key strategy for promoting genital health and quality of life in women experiencing menopause.
[1] Cross-sectional study of the association between regular sexual activity and sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause-related symptoms. Menopause. 2021 Aug;28(8):717-725. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001575. Epub 2021 Jun 22. PMID: 34141491. [2] Female Sexual Function Index. J Sex Med. 2007 Mar;4(2 Pt 2):469-478. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2007.00374.x. PMID: 17377629. [3] Low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy: a systematic review. Menopause. 2017 Jan;24(1):37-46. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000948. PMID: 28053476. [4] Effect of sexual activity on the vaginal epithelium during the menopausal transition. J Sex Med. 2010 May;7(5):1319-1327. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01595.x. PMID: 20419832.
- The groundbreaking study published in the journal "Cross-sectional study of the association between regular sexual activity and sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause-related symptoms" demonstrated that consistent sexual activity can notably decrease the occurrence of bothersome genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms in women aged between 40 and 79.
- The neuroscience news reveals that even though sexual desire, arousal, and lubrication usually decline with age and menopause due to decreased estrogen, orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction do not decline significantly with age in women who are sexually active, suggesting that maintaining regular sexual activity can help preserve aspects of sexual function despite hormonal changes.
- The journal "Menopause" study showed that sexual activity can counteract vaginal atrophy and dryness, believed to be caused by estrogen deficiency, and promote genital blood flow, tissue elasticity, and lubrication, which can help maintain the health of vaginal and vulvar tissues, reducing GSM symptoms.
- Considering that reducing GSM symptoms through regular sexual activity can improve comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life for menopausal and postmenopausal women, the study suggests that treatment for GSM symptoms should be offered regardless of sexual activity levels, and engaging in sex regularly may serve as a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate GSM symptoms and support sexual health.
- Personalized approaches that address physical, psychological, and relational factors impacting sexual desire and frequency, along with GSM symptoms, are important for maintaining sexual and genital health during and after menopause, as sexual functions and symptoms can change with age but may be maintained in women who engage in more regular sexual activity.
