Menopause and sexuality

Abstract

Many women spend a third of their lives in postmenopause, and it’s a given that sexual life must go on after menopause since its benefits were vastly proven. A number of factors influence sexuality in postmenopause: the age at which menopause sets in, how menopause sets in, physical and mental state, quality of sexual life in perimenopause and the quality and duration of the relationship with the partner. The hypoestrogenism that characterizes menopause leads to a decrease in libido, to changes in the genital apparatus (vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia) or other changes (hot flushes, impaired urination, depression), which negatively affect sexual health. Assessing sexual dysfunction is not easy. The interplay between the types of factors that predispose, precipitate and maintain sexual dysfunction requires preparation on the part of the clinician in identifying the elements of interest and indicating appropriate therapy. Research on the quantification of sexual dysfunction in women has led to the development of various scales or questionnaires to assess the impact of menopausal-related changes on sexual function and quality of intimate life. The ultimate goal of the clinician is to find an optimal method of treatment that will improve the condition and enhance the quality of sexual life. The available knowledge about menopausal sexuality may still be the tip of the iceberg in both medical practice and society and further research and information campaigns are greatly needed.