TED Talks Daily What happens to sex in midlife? A look at the "bedroom gap" | Maria Sophocles
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Apr 5, 2024 Maria Sophocles, a gynecologist and sexual medicine specialist, brings crucial insights into the often-overlooked 'bedroom gap' affecting midlife women. She discusses how menopause can lead to painful sex and reduced libido, challenging societal norms around female sexuality. Sophocles advocates for enhanced education and awareness in sexual healthcare, emphasizing that women deserve pleasurable and comfortable experiences. She encourages open dialogues to bridge inequalities in sexual health treatment, highlighting the need for change in both medical perspectives and cultural attitudes.
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Vaginal Betrayal
- A woman entered Maria Sophocles' office and declared, "My vagina has betrayed me."
- This exemplifies the distress many women experience with menopausal sexual issues.
The Bedroom Gap
- Menopause is often associated with hot flashes, but sexual problems are also common.
- Dr. Sophocles terms this difference in sexual expectations and capabilities between men and women in midlife the "bedroom gap."
Estrogen's Impact
- Estrogen loss during menopause affects vaginal collagen and blood vessels.
- This leads to dryness, discomfort, and difficulty with arousal and lubrication.