Menopause Society Study Reveals Growing Sex Toy Use Among Women Over 60 Linked to Better Orgasms and Health
- MM24 News Desk
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
A groundbreaking study published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, reveals that women aged 60 and older are increasingly using sex toys, particularly during masturbation, to achieve orgasm and promote positive health outcomes.
Research involving more than 3,000 women found that those who frequently used sex toys were significantly more likely to consistently experience orgasm, challenging longstanding stigmas around older women's sexuality.
When you picture someone using a vibrator, does your mind automatically conjure an image of a young person? A landmark new study suggests it's time to radically update that assumption. Research now confirms that women over 60 are not only using sex toys but are experiencing significant benefits from them, from more reliable orgasms to potential cognitive improvements.
In one of the first studies of its kind, researchers investigated the sexual behaviors of more than 3,000 women aged 60 years and older, with findings published online today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society. The research fills a critical gap in our understanding of older women's sexuality, which has traditionally focused on partnered activities while largely ignoring solo sexual behavior.
The results are striking: women who reported "almost always" or "always" using sex toys during masturbation were significantly more likely to report consistently experiencing orgasm. The most frequently used toys were external vibrators and dildos or other penetrative toys, according to the study published in Menopause.
Why does this matter? For generations, women's sexuality—particularly beyond middle age—has been shrouded in silence and stigma. Yet the physical and mental health benefits of sexual activity are well-documented, including evidence linking such behavior to improved cognitive function, specifically better word recall.
Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasizes the importance of these findings for women's healthcare. "Lack of understanding of female anatomy, the sexual response cycle, and underlying factors resulting in orgasm is common among both older and younger women," says Dr. Christmas. "The physical and mental benefits of fulfilling sexual function are well known."
The study reveals several fascinating trends. Among those who had partner sex, more than one-third (38.7%) reported using sex toys during partnered sex at least sometimes. However, participants reported much greater use of sex toys during masturbation than during sex with a partner, suggesting these tools may be particularly valuable for solo sexual expression.
Several social and biological factors are driving this trend. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a notable spike in sex toy sales, with one U.S. study finding that one in five respondents reported expanding their sexual repertoire by adding new activities, including using a sex toy with a partner. Meanwhile, an increasing number of older women are living alone due to divorce, widowhood, or intentional choice to remain single.
Biologically, the changes brought by menopause make alternative sexual expression increasingly practical. As penetrative sex may become more painful and difficult due to vaginal dryness and thinning tissues—and with many male partners experiencing erectile problems—sex toys offer a comfortable alternative to traditional intercourse.
The business world has taken notice. Sex-toy companies are increasingly designing and marketing products specifically for older adult women, including toys targeting those in menopause. This recognition of older women as sexual consumers represents a significant shift in cultural attitudes.
Perhaps the most important implication lies in healthcare. The researchers suggest that because of the prevalence of masturbation and sex-toy use—and their relationships to orgasm and possible improved health outcomes—older women could benefit from receiving more information from their healthcare professionals on these topics.
"By initiating conversations around sexuality in routine healthcare encounters, healthcare professionals can destigmatize the topic and provide valuable instruction on how to achieve an orgasm," explains Dr. Christmas.
"Many women believe something is wrong with them because they can’t achieve orgasm with a partner, when the truth is that most women don’t reach orgasm with penetrative intercourse alone. This simple knowledge has the potential to significantly impact the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction."
The study, titled "Sex toy use among a demographically representative sample of women 60 and older in the United States," represents a significant step toward normalizing conversations about sexuality across the lifespan. As society continues to challenge outdated taboos, research like this provides both validation for older women exploring their sexuality and crucial information for healthcare providers seeking to support their patients' holistic well-being.
For the millions of women navigating the physical and social changes of later life, these findings offer both reassurance and permission: you're not alone, and prioritizing your sexual pleasure isn't just enjoyable—it might be good for your health.
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