The number of middle aged women with a lower libido is surprising sex researchers

Research has found that women think about sex less and less as they get older.

A study published by the Journal of Sexual Medicinediscovered that 70 percent of Australian women aged between 40-65 years old experienced a low libido.

This number was considered to be higher than expected, due to estimates collated from previous studies.

Participants were asked via the respected questionnaire the Female Sexual Function Indexabout the sexual desires over the past four weeks.

A score no higher than 5.0 is considered to be a low score on the desire spectrum.

Dr. Rosie Worsley of Monash University, who was the lead author on the study is quoted by ABCas saying:

We know from previous research that it's a common problem, but it was a big number to see.

It's clearly a concern for a lot of women. 

This could be down to several reasons such as illnesses, medication, changing hormone levels and also how the minds opinions on sex change over time.

Sex therapist and relationship counsellor Cyndi Darnell believes that this isn't down to a lack of enjoyment but that the mind's need for sex just isn't that urgent anymore.

She adds:

That doesn't mean you aren't able or willing to enjoy sex. It just means the physiological impetus isn't there. But it might come later, if you start.

Physical symptoms common during the menstrual cycle can also play a role. Bloating, tiredness and aches can reduce sexual desire.

Stress, a lack of privacy, long-term relationships and parenthood should also be accounted for.

Of course, we should never rule out the reality of bad sexual experiences to demoralise a woman's libido.

Maureen Matthews, who owns Australia's longest running sex shop says:

Putting up with unsatisfactory sex for a long time can make you want to avoid the situation.

The more often that you have sex that is distasteful, it acts like aversion therapy.

How should older women who are suffering from this issue solve it? There is always the option of talking to a GP but Cyndi Darnell believes there might be an easier solution.

When you've got a motivation, then you're in a better position to make it happen.

Like getting up and going to the gym on a cold morning … That first ten minutes of getting up and putting your shoes on and getting out the door — that's hell!

Nobody likes that part, but everybody does it because there's a better reward coming and the same approach has to be taken with sex.

HT ABC

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