Results of a study to determine whether aging or the menopause are to blame for a woman’s decline in sexuality revealed that both factors are responsible. The study, which followed nearly 200 hundred for seven years, found that sexual responsiveness appeared to be affected by both aging and the menopause, however the menopause had a more direct affect upon libido and the frequency of sexual activity. The researchers also found that symptoms of the menopause, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes, may also affect a women’s sexual response as they may result in intercourse being painful or make the woman feel unwell.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Fertility and Sterility 2001; 76:456-460
