Orgasms at Midlife: Discover the Incredible Health Benefits
I’m going to tell you something few people will.
I’m going to tell you something few people will reveal, something considered so private that it’s rarely discussed even among close friends. But what if I told you that this information could change your life and improve your health? Brace yourself, because here it is: masturbation is actually medicine. And for women, particularly those who have gone through menopause, the use of sex toys should be seriously considered.
Unlocking the Benefits of Orgasms
Now, I know this may come as a shock to some and may even have you rolling your eyes in disbelief. But I assure you, this isn’t about bedroom gymnastics. It’s about understanding the impact of orgasms on our overall health.
As a Professor in Reproductive Science and a renowned researcher at a prestigious institution, I have explored various aspects of women’s health, from menstrual cycles to fertility and menopause. Recently, I have been conducting interviews with women over 50 for an upcoming book on rediscovering one’s vitality in later life. What I have discovered is that while many women in this demographic are still sexually active, some have not had an orgasm in years.
When I discussed this issue with friends, some shrugged it off, admitting that they “haven’t been bothering with all that.” Even engaging women in a conversation about orgasms proves difficult; a recent reader outreach by a renowned health professional had a surprisingly low response. It seems that for many women who have reached menopause, satisfaction in the bedroom is no longer a priority.
Embracing Sexual Pleasure for a Healthy Future
Why is this the case? For some women, the loss of a partner through death or divorce renders sexual activity infrequent or nonexistent. Others attribute their decreased libido to their own or their partner’s declining health. However, a significant number of women have simply let go of sex altogether, finding liberation in no longer feeling the need to please anyone but themselves.
But by dismissing sexual pleasure, women may inadvertently give up on the many benefits orgasms have to offer. In fact, regular orgasms can have a positive impact on one’s well-being. They relieve common symptoms associated with menopause by promoting vaginal lubrication, which alleviates dryness and itching. Additionally, orgasms help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, contributing to bladder control and maintaining the anatomy of the vagina and vulva.
On a psychological level, orgasms reduce stress and trigger the release of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine— hormones associated with positive emotions. The benefits extend to improved sleep, lower blood pressure, protection against cardiovascular disease, and even headache relief.
Furthermore, the more frequently one experiences orgasms, the more satisfying they become and the better their vaginal health. Just like happiness, sexual wellness is something to be actively pursued and explored, especially as we age.
Demystifying Menopause-Related Challenges
Unfortunately, the hormonal changes that take place during the perimenopause phase— the hormonal flux women undergo before reaching menopause—can derail one’s sexual well-being. Individuals may experience increased anxiety, mood changes, insomnia, and a plummeting libido. Physically, these changes can make sex more painful and difficult. However, just like any muscle, the vagina requires regular exercise to prevent problems. It truly is a case of “use it or lose it.”
During this stage, women may also grapple with diminished sensitivity and responsiveness in the clitoral region, the primary route to achieving orgasm for many individuals. This decline in clitoral function is often a result of reduced blood flow and can even lead to clitoral atrophy in a minority of women.
Given these challenges, it is not surprising that many women opt to forgo sexual pleasure, believing it is not worth the effort. However, orgasms play a vital role in counteracting these issues, providing relief and maintaining optimal vaginal health. Regular stimulation and the use of sex toys can help sustain vaginal lubrication, alleviate dryness and itching, and prevent vaginal shrinkage and incontinence.
Considering Your Options for Sexual Well-being
So, what options are available to women seeking to enhance their sexual satisfaction? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a combination of drugs that restore estrogen and progesterone levels, can effectively reignite one’s libido. In certain cases, testosterone may be prescribed to bolster a diminishing sex drive.
However, it may be wiser to wait until the menopause transition is complete before turning to medication. Many women find that with the conclusion of menopause, a fog is lifted and their libido resurfaces naturally. Some individuals even report that testosterone treatment can make them feel like randy teenagers. Is that the route you want to take?
Before delving into medication, lubrication is a simple starting point for addressing dryness. Products like Sylk and Yes, which are available on NHS prescription, can greatly assist. Vaginal estrogen prescribed by your GP also proves effective in alleviating discomfort. However, changing your perspective on sex toys may be the key to reigniting pleasure in your life.
As a single woman, I personally advocate for the use of adult toys. I believe they have an important role to play. Regrettably, I suspect that many women, particularly those from generations preceding ours, have never experienced an orgasm. If you find yourself scoffing at the thought, I urge you to reconsider. What do you have to lose?
Revolutionizing Sexual Exploration at Midlife
Sex toys have come a long way and are easily accessible, even for those who may be hesitant to enter a brick-and-mortar store concealed behind the privacy of online shopping. These devices are not the exclusive domain of young people anymore.
Advancements in science have transformed the landscape of female sexual pleasure. We now understand that certain vibrational frequencies are particularly effective at stimulating pleasure. Furthermore, there are vibrators approved by medical authorities that treat a range of sexual dysfunctions related to menopause.
I recently teamed up with a British-based company known as MysteryVibe. Their products, licensed as medical devices by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have been turning heads. Their recent billboard campaign in New York bore the brilliant slogan: “Orgasm now comes with a medical prescription.”
Now, the question remains: why do vibrators offer such compelling health benefits? According to MysteryVibe’s medical director, urological surgeon Professor Prokar Dasgupta, these devices improve the signaling between the body and the brain. It is also believed that the vibrations tone up the muscles of the vaginal wall and trigger the secretion of vaginal fluid.
If you remain unconvinced by the multitude of reasons to embrace the possibility of sexual pleasure at midlife, perhaps this will sway you: experts have postulated that, in the near future, vibrators could be made available by the National Health Service (NHS). Orgasms on prescription may soon become standard medical practice.
Expert Advice on Starting Your Sexual Wellness Journey
Discover What Gives You Pleasure
Former nurse Samantha Evans, the founder of an online sex toy company, Jo Divine, remains dedicated to helping women in midlife and beyond find sexual health and vitality. With the oldest customer being 93 years old, Samantha and her husband have supported women on this journey for many years. Here are her tips for getting started:
- Buy a fragrance-free, non-irritating lubricant, such as Yes or SUTIL.
- If you experienced vaginal dryness and itching, seek medical advice from your GP who can prescribe vaginal estrogen in conjunction with lubrication, a combination used by many women.
- If you’re new to sex toys or prefer external stimulation, start with a bullet or pebble-style toy made of silicone, glass, or metal. Avoid jelly, latex, or rubber toys as they can harbor bacteria. These toys can be used on the clitoris, nipples, or any other erogenous zone.
- If you struggle to orgasm or have lost sensation due to menopause or cancer treatment, consider the LELO Sona, a sonic massager. Its gentle sonic waves are gradually orgasmic and provide a great entry point for getting started.
- If experiencing atrophy or post-menopausal tightness, consider an extra slim vibrator such as the IMMY.
- Find a comfortable, private space where you won’t be disturbed. Switch off your phone and take your time to explore different settings on the toy until you find what works for you.
Remember, this journey is about rediscovering pleasure and enhancing your sexual health. Embrace the numerous possibilities available to you, and don’t shy away from seeking professional advice when necessary.
