Sex and relationship expert Gemma Nice and YSOS—the leading website for couples who love to swing—have teamed up to bust a few myths about sex after menopause. While it’s true that many women between the ages of 50 and 60 experience physical changes—such as decreased libido and vaginal dryness—that can affect their sex lives, new research suggests that Gen X women aren’t letting these symptoms slow them down.
According to a recent study by YSOS, this generation is embracing intimacy with more curiosity and confidence than ever. Nearly 40% of participants said they were open to exploring role-play in the bedroom after menopause, and almost 1 in 10 expressed interest in trying swinging.
Data from Hopkins Medicine shows that more than a third of women going through perimenopause or menopause report sexual difficulties, including low desire and challenges with orgasm. However, Nice stresses that these changes don’t mean the end of a satisfying sex life. In fact, many women in their 50s and 60s are rewriting the narrative around midlife sexuality. As sex educator Nice puts it, there are far too many misconceptions about intimacy during menopause. Women can and do enjoy fulfilling sex lives well into midlife and beyond.
Here are the four most common myths about sex after menopause and tips on how to enjoy intercourse during this stage of life.
