Nonheterosexual women report better sexual function during the menopausal transition

Nonheterosexual women report better sexual function during the menopausal transition

A woman's sex drive may decline as she ages - partly due to problems with urogenital symptoms during the transition to menopause. However, some older women maintain very active sex lives. Why? A new study suggests a difference may lie in sexual identity, as non-heterosexual women are more likely to report better sexual function despite menopause. The results of the study will be published online todaymenopausethe magazine of the Menopause Society.

An estimated 25 to 85% of postmenopausal women report problems with sexual function, including pain during sex, difficulty with desire or libido, and distress about their sexual response. These symptoms often occur during the menopausal transition and can be chronic and progressive, with lasting effects on quality of life and sexual well-being.

Nonheterosexual women (also known as sexual minority women) typically suffer from poorer mental and physical health due to the barriers and discrimination they face when engaging with the healthcare system. However, non-heterosexual women may fare better when it comes to sexual function, according to a new study of more than 230 female veterans. Although they still report high levels of stress related to sexual function, similar to their heterosexual counterparts, they report better sexual function and a lower impact of vaginal symptoms.

Female veterans represent a growing, diverse population for research, as the number of women enrolled in health care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has more than doubled over the past two decades. Additionally, more than half of the women served by the VHA are in middle age (typically between ages 40 and 60) – a critical window for health changes associated with the menopausal transition.

Despite the growing number of research studies addressing the challenges of the menopausal transition, there is a lack of systematic research examining the menopausal and age-related experiences of nonheterosexual women. That's why researchers conducted this latest study, which found that non-heterosexual women were more than twice as likely to report sexual activity in the past month and less likely to report pain during sexual activity.

The results of this study highlight that menopause and aging significantly impact the sexual health and functioning of female veterans and that experiences can vary significantly depending on sexual identity. Further research is needed to better understand the unique needs of sexual minority women in midlife and to promote the provision of positive health care for sexual minority veterans.”

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of the Menopause Society

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