Regular sexual activity is very important for menopausal women - study

This is according to a new study published in the scientific journal Menopause under the auspices of The Menopause Society of North America.

Source: Yoshikazu Sato et al, Menopause (2025), DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000002539
The study was provided by The North American Menopause Society.

As the authors explain, as we age, estrogen levels decrease, which can lead to a condition known as urogenital menopause syndrome (GSM). It includes symptoms such as dryness, burning, itching, pain during intercourse and frequent urination. All of these have a direct impact on sexual activity and overall quality of life for women between the ages of 40 and 70.

In a cross-sectional study, scientists analysed data from more than 900 women aged 40 to 79. Regular sexual activity was defined as having sex in the past three months. If a woman had sex during the year but not in the last three months, she fell into the low sexual activity category.

Expectedly, as women age, the number of women who are sexually active on a regular basis decreases. However, the study found: those who remain sexually active are much less likely to experience symptoms of GSM. At the same time, they maintained higher scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale, which includes 19 questions and assesses six aspects of sexual function.

The authors note that desire, arousal and lubrication scores decline with age, but orgasm and satisfaction data remain stable. The study found that women who remain regularly sexually active have a higher quality of sex life and fewer complaints of soreness, dryness and other manifestations of GSM.

"These results emphasise how important it is to diagnose and treat urogenital syndrome. Despite its prevalence, only 2.9% of participants reported using hormone therapy," highlights Dr Monica Chrismas, deputy medical director of The Menopause Society.

She says low-dose topical oestrogen therapy is a safe and effective method of managing GSM symptoms, including soreness and avoidance of sexual intimacy.

"But it's important to realise that it's not just women with an active sex life who need treatment. Symptoms require attention regardless of whether a woman is sexually active. The use of topical hormonal agents should be normalised," added Chrismas.

The study also emphasises the need for an open discussion about the sexual health of women as they age. Given that many avoid intimacy because of physical discomfort, timely treatment can help maintain quality of life in adulthood.