It’s easy to buy into the narrative that sex after 50 is more trouble than it is worth. Fluctuating or falling levels of sex hormones can play havoc with a woman’s desire and experience of sex during perimenopause and beyond. Not only are there physical changes that can render what was once pleasurable unsatisfying or even painful, but tiredness, anxiety and diminished self-confidence can also put the kibosh on sex.
Doctors don’t necessarily help. “I suspect part of the reason why a lot of people are gloomy is because they’ve had pushback from doctors who have reacted to their desire to continue having sex with a bit of amazement. Like, you’re not procreating any more, so why should it matter to you?” says Suzanne Noble, a 63-year-old entrepreneur who is determined to rewrite the rulebook on ageing.
