When women develop sex problems in their 40s, the conventional wisdom blames peri-menopausal estrogen decline.

There's often another reason: weak pelvic floor muscles.

When strengthened using Kegel exercises, fortysomething women's sex problems are helped or even cured.

Kegel exercises can also help men, providing more intense orgasms.

For many women, the years from 40 to 50 are psychologically fraught. They’re not quite menopausal, but they must contend with pre-menopausal (“peri-menopausal”) changes: feeling older, increasing menstrual irregularity, possible weight gain, and the beginnings of hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The peri-menopausal years may also include emotional and sexual problems: moodiness, irritability, insomnia, depression, and decreased sexual interest, function, and satisfaction, which, in turn, may challenge women’s relationships.

Physiologists explain that peri-menopausal changes stem from declining estrogen levels. This change eventually eliminates menstruation, and often causes vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal wall (“atrophy”), which may make intercourse uncomfortable, painful, or impossible. Psychologists explain that these physical changes are at the root of peri-menopausal distress.

However, Chinese researchers offer a ray of hope. The conventional wisdom on peri-menopause has overlooked the importance of weak pelvic floor muscles. These muscles run between the legs and play a key but often under-appreciated role in women’s sexual function, orgasms, and erotic satisfaction. Weak pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened, which may reduce or even........

© Psychology Today