Sexuality of the ageing female – the underlying physiology

Abstract

While the ageing process occurs both in males and females, the latter have the added effects of the changes brought about by the menopause. The review characterises the many menopausal changes that the decrease in oestrogens produces in neural, skeletal, circulatory and genital systems. Many of these changes can adversely affect the sexual functioning of women. The increase in female lifespan means that women can spend 30À40 years in the postmenopausal condition. Treatments need to be developed to ensure that their healthspan (those years spent without chronic-age related dysfunctions) is also increased.

Exceptionalism is not exceptional in relation to sexual and reproduction mechanisms: Contrasts of human and animal sexuality

“…Despite their extensive review, it was never stated whether nonhuman female primates still behaved sexually voluntarily or especially practised coitus after their menopause. In the case of the human female, she is sexually active during and after menopause, undertaking sexual and coital activity and enjoying its resultant orgasms (Levin, ) despite the fact that they can have no reproductive function. In this respect, notwithstanding any further evidence, the human female is probably exceptional. As a species humans can use every sensory modality (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch) to induce or enhance sexual arousal; fantasy, explicit sexual images, music and song, erotic speech, the written word‐ all can be so employed.…”