Loss of Libido in Elderly Women

As women age, they tend to lose interest in sex, and sexual relationships. This is especially true for women that are approaching menopause. A new research suggests that genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is the main reason behind the loss of libido in elderly women.
GSM is a wide term that is used to represent issues in the urinary and genital tract, affecting women who are postmenopausal or are going through menopauseen avoid having sex with age.
The research survey included 1500 white females aging above 55. These women were surveyed within 2 weeks of their . GSM is characterized by poor bladder control, painful sex, or dyspareunia which happens due to thinning of vaginal walls with age. The bothersome symptoms impact the ability to have pleasurable sex, which is why womvisit to their primary care provider or gynecologist. The questionnaire included a history of urinary, vulvovaginal and sexual symptoms. Around 48% women said that they didn’t have intercourse in the 6 months leading to study. Women also provided several reasons or predisposing factors; such as:

• 47% participants reported that they were not sexually active due to lack of partner or due to their partner’s physical inabilities and lack of interest
• Females reported other medical issues that were keeping them away from sexual activities. For instance, 7% women complained about bladder leakage.
• 24% reported dyspareunia as the main reason whereas 26% said that they avoid sex due to vulvovaginal dryness, pain and irritation.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort were also reported by sexually active women, with 45% women experiencing these symptoms all the time. Moreover, 7% of the women reported bladder leakage during sex. Not to forget, vaginal dryness was another problem. That said, libido in elderly women is a problem that is obviously caused by many factors.
In general, fear of painful sex was the most common reason to avoid sex in both sexually active and inactive women.
Females experiencing GSM symptoms limit their sexual activity which negatively influences their emotional experiences in sexual life. These findings give another reason why health care providers should have open discussions with peri and post-menopausal women.
If you are experiencing loss of libido, it is time to consult your healthcare provider to learn more about options that can restore your libido and sexual functions.
References:

1. Portman, D. J., & Gass, M. L. (2014). Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and the North American Menopause Society. The journal of sexual medicine, 11(12), 2865-2872.

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