Postmenopausal Sexual Satisfaction: Beyond Orgasm
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Authors
Robbins, Marcia Mann
Issue Date
2004
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative study was designed to explore the essence of the meaning of sexual satisfaction to postmenopausal women aged 55-65, utilizing a phenomenological method. Four heterosexual Caucasian participants who engage in sexual activities and are sexually satisfied were asked in a one-hour interview to describe their most sexually satisfying experience since menopause. In this study, each participant openly shared her internal experience that drives her sexual relationship, which defines what sexual satisfaction means to her. Because of the differences between each person's experience, analysis of the interviews elicited a structure for each participant's experience. Although certain common elements did emerge, it was determined that each woman's experience was unique. Each woman's experience contains elements that are not only beyond orgasm, her experience is beyond quantification. There are many implications to the field of clinical psychology which may provide a new perspective for clinicians as well as the general population. Based on the results of this study, a woman between 55–65 who is sexually satisfied, is able to adapt to her individual situation in order to find her own way to become sexually satisfied. She experiences sexual satisfaction, regardless of the circumstances. Clinicians with this insight may be able to foster this resiliency in clients who encounter health problems, whether their own or their partner's, to accommodate their own needs as well as their partner's. The clinician may be more aware of the needs of the older woman for sexual satisfaction and encourage a more prolonged sexual experience with slower pacing. This may be more satisfying for her partner as well as for her increased arousal which may be more necessary at this stage of life. The clinician can facilitate sexual self-disclosure to communicate what may be sexually arousing to the client, such as sexual play, deep, passionate kissing, touching, and oral sex. The clinician may increase the client's awareness of contextual cues which can influence one's satisfaction. The clinician can facilitate a more positive perspective on aging by understanding the double standard about aging, which may have a negative influence on the older client's self-image. Instead, the older woman may recognize that her maturity and self-confidence may enhance her sexual appeal as well as her desire. Future research may replicate this study to include postmenopausal lesbian women and women of other cultures and ethnicities. Other research could focus on postmenopausal women who have experienced health problems or have partners who have experienced health problems and are sexually satisfied.