(592) The Menopausal Sexual Inactivity Syndrome: An Overlooked Public Health Concern

Introduction Sex has been thought of, traditionally and classically, as reproduction. This perpetual rejection of sexuality in groups not associated with procreation (such as infants, children, masturbation, LGBT individuals, and sex during pregnancy) has led to the belief that sex is unnecessary in these ages, especially in old adults and geriatric ages. Consequently, when it is known that more than 80% of post-menopausal women are sexually inactive, it suggests that an unconscious factor related to this myth is influencing the behavior. Objective The objectives are to highlight the high percentages of asexual women in menopause and to show how the lack of sex, which serves as the gymnasium of the pelvic floor, increases morbidity and mortality through the significant deterioration of the structures and functions of the pelvic floor and of vital functions. Given that the myth that sex is reproduction is generalized at every level of society, it is critical to change that fallacy Methods A long-term, retrospective study correlated the lack of sex (partnered or unpartnered) with the development of multiple pelvic disorders that affect the physical, functional, and psychosocial health and well-being of menopausal women. The frequent pelvic, systemic, and psychological pathologies found in asexual women were compared with the less significant frequency found in sexually active women Results The pathologies found in the sexually inactive group included, but were not limited to, genital prolapse (uterine, cystorectocele, total procidentias), total or partial vulvovaginal obliteration, USI, and rectal incontinence. Additionally, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and sexual dysfunction (dyspareunia, orgasmic and arousal, HSDD) were common. Psychosocially, there was an extended pattern of depression, low self-esteem, obesity, irritability, and decreased quality of life. Conclusions The Menopause Sexual Inactivity Syndrome is the consequence of the generalized myth that in the third age there is no need for the sexual function. This concept has religious and cultural roots. However, under the clear principle that "if you don't use it, you lose it," the sexual function is as vital as any other part of our general economy, at any age. Disclosure No