Sexual issues at menopause.

Abstract

Although the desire for sexual encounters and the frequency of coitus decrease with menopause, sex in the elderly is no longer considered taboo and continues to be an important and acceptable activity for most older persons. Couples in their 50s or older expect continued sexual involvement, but most consider intercourse the only legitimate form of sexual exchange and reject other forms of sexual activity. Sexual dysfunctions which impair coital ability, especially ejaculatory difficulties in the male and genital atrophy and loss of vaginal lubrication in the female, are frequent. Menopausal couples are often not knowledgeable about physiologic aging changes that affect sexual performance and are reluctant to communicate sexual difficulties to their partner. Without professional counseling and/or pharmacologic intervention, these conditions may lead to sexual frustration and abstinence. The identification and treatment of problems, as well as patient education, are imperative in caring for the menopausal patient.