Regular Sex Reduces Menopause-Related Discomfort and Pain
Study highlights the link between sexual activity and fewer genitourinary symptoms in menopausal women
A recent study shows regular sexual activity among menopausal women is associated with reduced vulvar pain, dryness, and irritation, suggesting potential benefits for managing menopause-related symptoms.
Study Details
The research, conducted on 911 sexually active Japanese women aged 40-79, was part of the GENitourinary syndrome of menopause in Japanese women (GENJA) cross-sectional study. It specifically examined how regular sexual activity might influence common menopausal symptoms categorized under genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including vulvar pain, dryness, and irritation.
Methodology
Participants were divided into two groups based on their recent sexual activity: the regular sexual activity group (716 women), who had sex within the past three months, and the lower sexual activity group (195 women), who hadn't engaged in sex in the past three months but had within the past year. The researchers used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure sexual function and compare GSM-related symptoms between these groups.
Key Findings
Women who regularly engaged in sexual activity reported significantly fewer vulvar symptoms such as pain, dryness, and irritation compared to women with lower sexual activity.
Sexual desire, arousal, and lubrication declined with age, whereas orgasm capacity and satisfaction levels did not significantly diminish among regularly sexually active women.
Only a small fraction of participants (2.9%) reported using hormone therapy, highlighting a notable underuse despite proven effectiveness.
Implications for Practice
Healthcare providers should consider encouraging discussions about sexual health and activity during menopausal consultations. Regular sexual activity could potentially be recommended as part of a holistic approach to managing GSM symptoms, though causality needs to be further explored. Additionally, clinicians are advised to recognize the low utilization of effective treatments like low-dose vaginal estrogen and address potential barriers to its use.