Sexual abstinence is a practice that has been imposed on people since ancient times for various reasons including religion, culture, tradition, and personal beliefs.
Some religions such as Judaism and Islam have strict rules about sexual activities after menopause which can lead to emotional and physical issues if adhered to for long periods.
We will discuss how religiously enforced sexual abstinence during postmenopausal stages can cause psychological and relational consequences such as depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, frustration, guilt, shame, stress, and low self-esteem.
Postmenopausal women who are abstaining from sexual activity may experience a lack of pleasure due to hormonal changes and vaginal dryness. This can affect their overall quality of life and mental health.
They may feel guilty or ashamed for not conforming to societal norms or religious standards.
Society expects older women to be sexually active and fulfilled, but those who abstain are often marginalized and stigmatized. They may feel lonely and isolated because they cannot find partners who share their values and beliefs. Some couples may separate or divorce because one partner wants to engage in sexual intimacy while the other does not.
Relationships based solely on companionship without any form of erotic intimacy can become strained over time leading to emotional distance between partners. Postmenopausal women who abstain from sexual activity may also struggle with feelings of emptiness, loss of identity, and purpose.
Sexual abstinence can lead to increased aggression, anger, irritability, and agitation which can harm relationships with family members and friends.
It is essential for individuals to seek counseling if they are struggling with religiously enforced sexual abstinence during postmenopause. Therapists can help them navigate these issues by providing support, guidance, and resources that promote physical and emotional well-being.
What psychological and relational consequences arise from religiously enforced sexual abstinence during postmenopausal stages?
The religiously enforced sexual abstinence may have negative effects on both physical and mental health of women going through menopause. Women who are not allowed to be sexually active experience higher levels of stress than those who can engage in sexual activity. They also tend to suffer from depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, and poor body image (Wang et al. , 2016).