Some women report an increase while others report a decrease in sexual desire at menopause. Increase in sexual desire may be because of relative freedom from pregnancy and hence one may respond and perform with greater abandon and enthusiasm. Some women harbor the misconception that menopause marks the end of their sexual career and this fear (about their waning sexuality) increases their sex drive so that they may reaffirm their femininity. A decline in sexual desire could be because of physical reasons.

During menopause (or even a few years earlier), a reduction in the secretion of the ovarian hormones may cause atrophy of the vaginal epithelium which leads to reduction in lubrication and hence pain at the time of sexual intercourse (which can be remedied by estrogen replacement therapy). This causes a decline in sexual desire and a woman avoids sexual overtures. Depression and anxiety are common features and they also tend to reduce the sexual desire.

An orgasm is like a sneeze – it is difficult to describe but once you have had one you know what it feels like. Orgasms may differ. Usually one experiences a heightened sexual ecstasy accompanied by rhythmic vaginal contractions in females and ejaculation in males, followed by a fooling of relaxation.

Is completion of the sexual response cycles always necessary for satisfactory sex?

Sex is a method for reaching a sensual objective, which, when achieved gives satisfaction. During sex what is important is to experience that sensual satisfaction, and it may not be necessary to go through every stage of the sexual response cycle.

Causes of Reduced Orgasmic Pleasures

Orgasmic pleasure is considerably reduced in drug abuse (brown sugar in particular), myopathy, alcoholics, neuropathy and anxiety disorders.