Stress of modern life affects middle-aged women’s sex life more than menopause, study finds

The stresses of modern life affect middle-aged women’s sex lives more than menopause, suggests a new study published in the Journal of Sex Research.

The study of more than 2,000 women found that very few women associated their menopause with a decrease in the frequency or quality of their sexual activity.

Instead, women claimed that the weight of pressure on middle-aged women keeps them so busy that they have little time or energy to enjoy regular and fulfilling sex lives, News Medical reports.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the University of Glasgow and UCL interviewed women who noticed how heavy they were The hustle and bustle and the challenges of reconciling family, work and social life for them.

They discussed the financial and relationship issues, concerns about family members and the simultaneous demands of children and aging parents, both of whom needed practical help and emotional support and did little to relieve workload or stress.

The study found that women’s lives were so busy that they had little time or energy left to enjoy a regular and satisfying sex life.

Of the more than 2,000 women aged 40 to 59 who were surveyed, a third had not had sex in the past month and less than half were dissatisfied with their sex life.

The study concluded that age and menopausal status were less significant than relationship and lifestyle factors and health status in determining sexual satisfaction, functioning and frequency.

Kaye Wellings, lead author and professor of sexual and reproductive health research at LSHTM, said: “Few studies have considered women’s views when trying to understand the range of factors that influence sexual experience in midlife.

“The decrease in frequency must be seen in the context of social changes and individual circumstances.”

She highlighted the impact of the “dual responsibilities” faced by middle-aged women, as they are often responsible for caring for both children and parents.

Kaye added, “Middle-aged women today are often referred to as the ‘sandwich generation’ – they married and had children later than previous generations, they work, and they can support both dependent children and older parents while they can rise handle. .” deal with health problems.”

The study was conducted in the hope that the results will give women peace of mind at this time in their lives.

Said author: “Frequency of sex has little to do with sex life satisfaction, suggesting that intimacy may be a more important factor in determining sexual well-being—a message that health professionals can favorably convey to women.”