| Introduction
With or without sex, it is important to
remember that you are still the same person. You can express your feelings for your
partner and experience physical closeness just as meaningfully without sex.
The most common sexual problems are not
normally due to physical reasons but to psychological ones and can cause emotional
suffering and distress within a relationship.
Sexual dysfunction that may be treated by psychosexual
therapy includes a lack of sexual desire, extreme fear or anxiety about sexual
intercourse, pain during, before or after intercourse and involuntary contractions of the
vaginal muscles.
The
menopause is a time of adjustment for women. Many of the sexual symptoms at this
time can be helped.
The Effects of Ageing on Female
Sexuality
A woman’s capacity to respond sexually often peaks in the 4th decade.
Changes in hormone production and corresponding changes in body function occur when
ovulation ceases. This is termed the menopause and may be accompanied by hot flushes,
night sweats, aching in the joints, and a reduction in physical and mental energy and
well-being. Other ageing changes include less intensity to sensation and orgasm and a
general reduction in the body's sexual responsiveness.
Oestrogen, however, continues to be produced in the
bodies’ fat stores and may moderate the effects of the menopause. Where loss of
oestrogens is severe supplemental oestrogen and progesterone (or synthetic Progestogens)
may be considered.
Continuing sexual activity helps to maintain genital
function such as vaginal lubrication, while reported sexual satisfaction remains high even
when the physiological response of arousal is reduced.
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