Sexual satisfaction during menopause may offer real relief from hot flashes, sleep problems, and emotional symptoms, according to new research published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy. A study of 150 perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants found that orgasms, particularly those achieved through masturbation with sex toys, were associated with significant reductions in menopause-related complaints.

How Does Sexual Activity Help Manage Menopause Symptoms?

The research reveals that sexual pleasure works through multiple pathways to ease menopause discomfort. When participants used sex toys for masturbation, they reported major improvements in physical symptoms like tiredness and sleep disturbances. Mental well-being played a central role in this process. The study found that sexual pleasure improved overall mental health, which in turn made emotional challenges of menopause, such as anxiety, sadness, and apathy, easier to manage.

Relationship satisfaction also mattered. Participants with higher overall sexual satisfaction reported fewer local physiological symptoms, including discomfort during urination, genital soreness, and loss of interest in sex. The findings suggest that sexual wellness is not separate from physical health during this life stage but deeply interconnected with it.

What Relationship Factors Influence Menopause Symptoms?

The study uncovered surprising patterns about relationship dynamics and menopause severity. Participants dating partners at least seven years younger reported higher levels of sexual arousal and fewer physical symptoms compared to those dating people their own age. Similarly, people in consensual non-monogamous relationships, where all partners agree that multiple romantic or sexual relationships are acceptable, reported experiencing more orgasms and fewer menopausal complaints than their monogamous peers.

These findings challenge the common assumption that sexual life diminishes with age. Samantha Banbury, a psychology professor at London Metropolitan University and the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of recognizing diverse relationship structures in health research.

"Sexual life doesn't end with menopause. Attraction is subjective and ongoing. The findings also highlight that diverse relationship structures and age-gap relationships are often underrepresented or stigmatized in research despite meaningful differences in sexual well-being," said Banbury.

Samantha Banbury, Psychology Professor at London Metropolitan University

Ways to Support Sexual Wellness During Menopause

• Explore masturbation with sex toys: The research found that using sex toys during masturbation was strongly linked to fewer emotional symptoms like anxiety and sadness, as well as reduced physical complaints such as sleep disturbances and fatigue.
• Prioritize overall relationship satisfaction: Whether in monogamous or non-monogamous relationships, participants with higher relationship satisfaction reported fewer local physiological symptoms and better sexual function during menopause.
• Combine sexual wellness with other treatments: Banbury noted that while self-pleasure helps, it works best alongside other biological, psychological, and social treatments guided by a healthcare provider, rather than as a standalone solution.
• Recognize that sexual desire continues: The study challenges the outdated belief that sexual interest naturally disappears with age, showing that many people remain sexual beings throughout menopause and beyond.

The research involved 150 participants, most of whom identified as cisgender women, though some transgender men and nonbinary individuals also participated. Participants completed online surveys measuring sexual functioning, which includes desire, arousal, natural lubrication, and pain during sex. They also reported on relationship satisfaction, mental well-being, sexual confidence, and the frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms.

Banbury acknowledged important limitations of the study. The sample size of 150 people is relatively small, and the group lacked ethnic and cultural diversity. Different cultures hold varying perspectives on menopause, sex, and masturbation, which could influence how individuals experience and report their symptoms. Additionally, because this was a correlational study, it shows that variables are related but cannot prove that one directly causes the other.

"There is no such thing as perfect research. This was a correlational design; therefore, there is no cause-and-effect relationship. Plus, reporting bias is associated with self-report measures, and a relatively small sample size cannot be deemed generalizable to the wider population," explained Banbury.

Samantha Banbury, Psychology Professor at London Metropolitan University

Despite these limitations, the study points toward meaningful directions for future research and product development. Participants expressed a need for more accessible sex toys designed for people with disabilities, transgender men, and individuals who have undergone surgical removal of the uterus. Developing ergonomic and inclusive sex toys could significantly improve quality of life for diverse groups of people navigating menopause.

The research challenges the persistent narrative that sexual satisfaction naturally declines with age. Instead, it suggests that sexual pleasure, relationship dynamics, and mental well-being are interconnected factors that can meaningfully influence how people experience one of life's major biological transitions. Going forward, Banbury plans to expand investigations into how various therapies and relationships interact with sexual health during menopause.