Sexual well-being after menopause: An International Menopause Society White Paper

Abstract:

During perimenopause, sexuality loses its intensity and is a common cause of distress between partners - a disorder that underlies female sexual dysfunction (FSD). FSD is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women. The prevalence of sexual problems increases with age and the pattern has been typical across all populations and cultures. While the etiology of FSD is multifactorial, the physiological changes of sex hormone insufficiency and postmenopausal symptoms, such as dyspareunia, are primary factors contributing to FSD at midlife. The International Menopause Society is working to increase awareness of FSD and to provide a framework for practitioners to address sexual medicine concerns. Healthcare practitioners need to broach the topic of sexuality in the clinical setting. Lack of knowledge, discomfort, and bias among medical professionals are key barriers to good clinical practice. The guideline authors emphasize the need for FSD to be used more frequently as a diagnosis, for therapeutic modalities to be available through health insurance, and future research to be directed toward finding new, proven effective methods of treating FSD.

Key words:
female sexual dysfunction; female sexual function; menopause