At different stages of life, women's sexual needs vary. The age range of 20–35 is considered the peak period for women. However, sexual needs in women aged 40 and older tend to change significantly as they enter the perimenopausal phase.
1. Sexual needs of women at the age of 40
Women in their 20s to 30s experience a peak in sexual desire due to the active function of the ovaries, which produce high levels of the estrogen hormone responsible for female beauty. However, the secretion of this hormone decreases as the body enters perimenopause, typically from the age of 40 onward. This has led many women to wonder, “How often should women aged 40 have sex in a week?”
Studies reveal that women aged 40 and older, as they enter perimenopause, experience reduced ovarian function and declining estrogen levels. This leads to several health and sexual changes:
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Women often feel warm, experience flushed faces, sweat at night, and may struggle with insomnia, fatigue, stress, and lack of focus.
- Vaginal dryness and reduced elasticity: Low estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and reduced elasticity, making sex uncomfortable or even painful. This also raises the risk of vaginal infections.
- Physical changes: Reduced estrogen levels lead to skin and hair becoming dry, wrinkles appearing, sagging breasts, and fat accumulating around the hips and abdomen. These changes often lower women's self-confidence.
Interestingly, studies show that some women feel more desire for sex during perimenopause. This is often because they no longer worry about pregnancy or monthly periods, and their children require less attention.
For women aged 40, having intercourse every 4 days is considered a healthy frequency. Sexual activity not only brings joy but also contributes to physical and mental health. Scientific findings show that sex boosts brain function, heart rate, and the immune system. Maintaining an active sex life increases testosterone and estrogen levels, enhancing sexual arousal, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.
2. What should women aged 40 do to maintain youthfulness?
Women entering perimenopause may go through a "rejuvenation" phase—a rare physiological phenomenon before reaching menopause, when ovarian activity ceases entirely. During this rejuvenation period, the body may increase estrogen secretion, leading to a more diverse sex life, improved mood, and higher sexual desire. The duration of this youthful phase varies among women, lasting several years for some, while others may not experience it.
For women aged 40 and older, aside from questioning how often they should engage in sexual activity, maintaining and extending youthfulness is also a common concern. To preserve youth and ensure a fulfilling married life, women should cultivate a positive lifestyle by:
- Managing work-life balance: Set aside time to relax, reduce stress, and stay active with exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga to improve both physical and mental health.
- Adopting a healthy diet: Limit glucose, fried foods, processed products, and stimulants like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Focus on daily nutrition rich in vegetables, fruits, and water.
- Changing perceptions about sex: Don’t believe the myth that menopause means the end of your sex life. Keeping a positive, youthful mindset helps overcome worries about hormonal changes.
- Communicating with your partner: Sharing feelings and sexual needs is essential to avoid emotional repression, which can harm both sexual and overall health. Sexual activity should match the comfort levels of both partners and not be forced.
3. Sexual positions to meet the needs of women aged 40
Choosing the right sexual positions is important for meeting the needs of women at 40. At this stage, women may need more time to achieve the desired level of arousal. Positions that foster deeper emotional connection and mutual understanding can enhance intimacy and satisfaction. Some suggestions include:
- 69 oral position: This is considered one of the best positions to stimulate mutual arousal. Since women aged 40 may often experience vaginal dryness, oral sex can increase excitement and satisfaction.
- Face-to-face position: This position promotes intimacy while reducing strain on joints, pressure on hip nerves, and pain in the sciatic nerve or lower back, especially when the woman is on top.
In conclusion, women aged 40 are entering perimenopause, a phase marked by significant changes in sexual needs compared to earlier stages. Building a healthy and positive lifestyle is essential to ensure that sexual activity remains a source of joy and intimacy during this transitional period.
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