A NEW cross-sectional study has shed light on the sexual health experiences of women aged 50 and older, underscoring that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains common in later life, though distress related to these concerns may decrease with age.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic analyzed data from 3,465 sexually active women aged 50 and above who attended women’s health clinics across Rochester, Scottsdale, and Jacksonville between 2015 and 2022. Women were grouped into midlife (50–64 years) and older (65+ years) cohorts and evaluated using validated tools such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R).
The findings revealed that while rates of FSD were similar between the two groups (56.2% in midlife women vs. 51.8% in older women), older women reported less sexual distress than their younger counterparts (mean FSDS-R score 13.0 vs. 15.0). They were also less likely to report loss of sexual desire (33.4% vs. 47.6%) or reduced genital sensation (13.0% vs. 16.9%). Interestingly, FSFI scores for desire and lubrication were higher among older women, though overall scores were comparable.
The authors suggest that older women may experience similar challenges with sexual function but have different expectations or perceptions, leading to lower distress. They emphasize that sexual health remains a quality-of-life issue in later life and should be proactively addressed in clinical care.
Reference
Jana K et al. Understanding the sexual concerns of older women presenting for care to women’s health clinics: a cross-sectional study. Menopause. 2025;DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002617.
