From proscription to prescription: masturbation in perimenopausal and menopausal women

Abstract

Introduction Masturbation has been historically proscribed, yet its benefits for genital and systemic health are well established and should be clearly promoted. Objective The objective is to demonstrate the multiple benefits of penetrative masturbation on general, urogenital, and pelvic floor health in most perimenopausal and menopausal women. Methods Over more than 25 years of clinical practice, the sexual histories and gynecological conditions of over 3,000 women were evaluated. Findings in sexually active women were compared to those who were asexual (no sexual activity, with or without a partner). The review included clinical, pathological, and psychosocial aspects. Results In clinical practice, it was observed that 45% of women over 40, 65% over 50, 75% over 60, 85% over 70, and more than 98% over 80 years of age were asexual. This lack of sexual activity correlated with severe manifestations of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including vulvovaginal obliteration, deaths secondary to undiagnosed recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary and fecal incontinence, all types of genital prolapse, and multiple sexual dysfunctions. Conversely, women who remained sexually active showed a lower body mass index, greater vitality and life motivation, better quality of life, more frequent use of hormone therapy, and lower prevalence of genitourinary and pelvic floor disorders. Conclusions A significant proportion of peri- and postmenopausal women are asexual. Sexual activity, including penetrative masturbation, functions as a form of natural pelvic floor physiotherapy and should be prescribed by healthcare professionals as a preventive and therapeutic strategy to maintain urogenital, pelvic, and systemic health Disclosure No