A major new study has revealed that women aged 60 and over can significantly enhance their physical and mental wellbeing by incorporating sex toys into their lives.
The research, which surveyed more than 3,000 American women in this age group, was published in the journal Menopause. It highlights a growing trend of masturbation and sex toy use among older women, linking these practices directly to improved health outcomes.
The Orgasm and Wellness Connection
The survey discovered a powerful correlation: women who reported almost always using sex toys during solo sex were significantly more likely to consistently achieve orgasm. This is crucial because orgasm itself is linked to a host of positive health effects.
According to the Menopause Society, the benefits are substantial. They stated: "There are a number of positive health outcomes that may be related to masturbation in older adults. There is also evidence that such behaviour is associated with improved cognitive function, specifically better word recall."
The study's report further elaborated, connecting the dots between sex toy use, orgasm, and overall wellness. It pointed to previous research showing relationships between orgasm and various health perks, including natural pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced levels of stress and depression.
A Call for More Open Healthcare Conversations
Given the clear prevalence of these practices and their potential benefits, the researchers are advocating for a significant shift in how healthcare professionals address sexuality with older female patients.
They suggest that women could greatly benefit from receiving more informed guidance from their doctors on these topics.
Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for the Menopause Society, emphasised the need for education. "Lack of understanding of female anatomy, the sexual response cycle, and underlying factors resulting in orgasm is common among both older and younger women," she said.
Dr. Christmas advocates for normalising these discussions during routine medical appointments. "By initiating conversations around sexuality in routine healthcare encounters, healthcare professionals can destigmatise the topic and provide valuable instruction on how to achieve an orgasm," she explained.
She also aimed to dispel a common misconception, noting: "Many women believe something is wrong with them because they can’t achieve orgasm with a partner, when the truth is that most women don’t reach orgasm with penetrative intercourse alone. This simple knowledge has the potential to significantly impact the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction."
