Skip to main content

Non-heterosexual Women Report Better Sexual Functioning During Midlife

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 18, 2024.

By India Edwards HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2024 -- A woman’s sex drive often diminishes with age, particularly during perimenopause when issues like pain and vaginal discomfort arise.

A new study, however, reveals that sexual identity may play a key role in sexual well-being during midlife.

The study, published Dec. 18 in the journal Menopause, found that non-heterosexual women were significantly more likely to remain sexually active and less likely to report pain during sexual activity compared to heterosexual women.

Up to 85% of postmenopausal women report challenges with sexual function, including pain, reduced libido and distress.

These symptoms, often emerging during perimenopause, can have lasting effects on quality of life and relationships.

Researchers led by Laura Muratore, a clinical research coordinator in psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed survey data from more than 230 female veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration. The participants had an average age of 56, and 25% identified as non-heterosexual.

Female veterans are a critical population for research, as their numbers have more than doubled in the past two decades and over half are now in midlife (40s to 60s).

What was found?

These results are particularly noteworthy because women who aren't heterosexual often face healthcare discrimination and barriers that can negatively impact their mental and physical health.

"The results of this study highlight that menopause and aging substantively affect sexual health and functioning in women veterans and, further, that experiences may vary significantly based on sexual identity," Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a news release.

"Additional research is needed to better understand the unique needs of midlife sexual minority women and to promote the provision of affirming healthcare to sexual minority women Veterans.”

Sources

  • The Menopause Society, news release, Dec. 18, 2024

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Landmark Women's Health Study Saved From Funding Cuts

MONDAY, April 28, 2025 — In a sudden about-face, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it won't slash funding for the Women's Health Initiative, a...

Early Menopause Might Mean Greater Age-Related Brain Decline

WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2025 -- Early menopause could be a warning sign for future age-related brain decline, a new study says. Women who entered menopause before 40 had a greater...

Most Women Aren't Clear When Menopause Might Start

FRIDAY, April 11, 2025 -- Early symptoms of menopause will first appear when many women least expect them, a new Ohio State University poll reports. Hot flashes, mood swings...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.