Are women coping with the menopause

British women in denial over 'the change'
Women are ignoring signs of the menopause rather than admit they have reached that age

When it comes to sexual health, issues that affect men seem to get more column inches than issues that affect women. But does this mean that mature women are being forgotten or could it be down to the fact that women themselves are ignorant of the changes their bodies go through during the menopause and how this can affect their sex lives? New research about women's attitudes towards 'the change' would certainly suggest as much.

The research reveals that a staggering one in ten women are unaware that the menopause is a naturally occurring event affecting all women as they enter midlife. Of those, a surprising 70% thought that the menopause was genetic and almost 10% thought it occurred as a result of general ill health.

62% of women say that their biggest fear when it comes to the menopause is the impact on their self-confidence. Many raised concerns that they won't feel glamorous anymore - possibly a result of today's anti-aging society. Over half are concerned about the effects on their health with more than a third scared about the effects on their sex life.

All this misinformation and fear can lead to a delay in seeking essential advice and treatment. More than a quarter of women say they would not feel comfortable talking about the more intimate symptoms of the menopause with their doctor or partner. Instead, they'd rather try to cope alone.

Menopausal symptoms are both normal and very common however. Dr Annie Evans, Women's Healthcare Specialist comments, "I have many women telling me that sex is not as comfortable as it once was because they are experiencing strange pain and discomfort. They are often confused and scared and have no idea that they are suffering from one of the first and most common symptoms of the menopause - vaginal dryness". Also known as vaginal atrophy, this symptom is an inevitable consequence of the menopause and one that most women experience as their ovaries stop producing oestrogen. Barely any of the women surveyed in the recent poll (3%) knew that painful sex, which can result from vaginal dryness, is an early sign of the menopause. These results suggest that British women are potentially putting their sex lives at risk.

Denise Knowles, Relate Counsellor and Sex Therapist comments: "It is time for women to make sure they understand the changes that their body will go through and be open and honest to themselves and their families - the menopause is nothing to be ashamed about. Women of menopausal age can be extremely sexy, confident and liberated, just look at Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall!"

Helpful lifestyle and treatment advice for menopausal women and their partners can be found at www.menopause-info.co.uk.