Millions of women experience a reduced sex drive after reaching 50, say researchers.
And many are too embarrassed to talk to their GP or even their partners about such issues. But, say experts, many intimate health problems can be easily addressed and treated by a visit to the doctor.
Around three quarters of women said their libido has decreased since they reached 50, according to the research. As many as half of those aged 54 and over said they are too embarrassed to talk to medical experts about such intimate issues – and just 2 per cent have sought treatment for a less active sex drive.
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Twenty-seven per cent feel ashamed discussing personal health problems with their partner – including those associated with the menopause.
Reduced sex drive is the health issue women feel most uncomfortable discussing with GPs and pharmacists, followed by discomfort during sex and dryness.
The study of 1,023 women and 977 men aged 54 plus and in a relationship was commissioned by intimate skincare firm Relpens MD. ‘The research shows that many women have anxieties when it comes to discuss intimate health issues with professionals and their partner too,’ said Dr Rosemary Leonard of Replens.
‘Although they may perceive the problems as embarrassing, the discomfort many women are experiencing may be preventing them from enjoying their sex life as they get older. Yet these conditions often can be easily treated with a visit to the GP or Pharmacist.
‘For example, almost half of females polled suffer from dryness – with around two thirds saying that it impacts on their ability to have sex.
‘Despite this, 42 per cent put up with the condition because they think it’s just part of growing older and are not aware they could get treatment for it. Hopefully the results of our poll will help to encourage people to seek expert help so that they don’t have to suffer in silence and can get back to enjoying life to the fullest.’ Half of respondents said their drop in sexual desire was down to getting older, while over a third put it down to the menopause.
A quarter said their reduced interest in sex was due to a lack of energy, while just under a quarter said it was as a result of dryness.The fall in sex drive also coincides with age people start to feel uncomfortable with their partner seeing them undressed.
The typical British woman starts to feel anxious undressing in front of their partner on reaching 50. More than 40 per cent said they feel self-conscious when their partner sees them naked, but nine in ten men said they aren’t put off at all by what partner looks like when undressed. Eight in ten men said they never suffer any anxieties about their partner seeing them nude.
Half of women said they have become less confident with their body as they have grown older. Dr Leonard said: ‘Any changes to our bodies as we age can leave us feeling self-conscious, so it is no real surprise that many women experience a drop in confidence around the menopause.
‘Often women are experiencing changes and symptoms but are not quite sure what they are.’
‘Instead of seeking treatment for common conditions, like dryness for example, the research shows that women are putting conditions like this down to a natural part of ageing or they are suffering in silence which is often having a knock-on effect with their relationships.’
Daily Mail