(063) ORGASM FUNCTION AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION: A COMPARISON BETWEEN PRE- VERSUS POSTMENOPAUSAL CISGENDER WOMEN
Authors: Stelmar J , Zaliznyak M , Isaacson D , Duralde E , Gaither T , Topp K , Sandhu S , Garcia M 
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Despite the prevalence, relevance, and impact of menopause on people with ovaries, there is a paucity of research on its impact on sexual function and satisfaction. While an association between menopause and sexual dysfunction has been found, no studies assessed objective parameters of orgasm function and many utilized sexual satisfaction surveys that did not include participants’ perceptions of their sexual partner(s).

Objective

This study aimed to assess differences between pre- versus postmenopausal cisgender women using a six-parameter inventory of orgasm function and a validated sexual satisfaction psychometric scale, using both ego-centered and partner-centered measures.

Methods

Respondents were recruited and administered an anonymous, online questionnaire via Qualtrics as part of a larger study on sexual function and erogenous sensation. The questionnaire queried demographic information, menopause status, and six parameters of orgasm function under the controlled scenario of solo masturbation. Satisfaction with sexual activity with a partner was measured by the validated New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS), a 20-item psychometric survey that measures sexual satisfaction in the past six months across two subscales: the ego-centered and partner-/activity-centered subscale. The 5-point Likert scales for all 20 questions were summated, for a total possible score of 20 (minimum sexual satisfaction) to 100 (maximum sexual satisfaction). Statistical analyses were completed using Qualtrics Stats iQ, utilizing ANOVA and chi-square tests.

Results

A total of 283 cisgender women completed the study questionnaire. Premenopausal women were significantly more likely to report a higher average frequency of engaging in sexual activities with a partner and solo masturbation (Table 1). Of the six orgasm parameters (Table 2), the only statistically significant difference existed in the experience of orgasm as peaks, with more postmenopausal women reporting a multi-peaked orgasm versus a single-peak orgasm. The average NSSS score amongst all cisgender women in our sample was 68±20, and there was no statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.8) between pre- versus postmenopausal cisgender women. Of the 20 questions within the NSSS, there was no statistically significant difference in 10/10 and 9/10 of the partner-centered NSSS subscale questions between the two groups. The only statistically significant difference between groups was premenopausal women reported higher satisfaction with the partner-centered measure of “The way I sexually react to my partner” (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions

Contrary to the medical literature, we found no significant difference in total sexual satisfaction between pre- versus postmenopausal cisgender women, as measured by the validated NSSS. Moreover, there was no significant difference in 5/6 of the orgasm parameter measurements. While sexual satisfaction is intrinsically linked to sexual function, it is important to note that self-perception of partner and activities may also play an important role in shaping an individual’s pleasure during sex. These findings highlight the importance of considering these nuances when assessing sexual satisfaction and may help to better inform the sexual function/satisfaction expectations of cisgender women as they approach menopause.

Disclosure

No.