BIO PSYCHO SOCIAL BARRIERS TO SEXUALITY IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN INDIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background In India, women undergoing menopause frequently face a lot of biological, cultural, and social barriers that limits their ability to express their sexual needs. Though it may manifest in many ways, their underlying need for proximity and sexual emotion often persists. Emotional intimacy and companionship grow more and more significant when priorities change. Physiological Changes The primary cause of alterations is a significant reduction in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Urogenital atrophy causes the vaginal linings to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. These changes contribute to a decline in sexual desire, largely due to the anticipation of pain or discomfort during intimacy. Psychological and Cultural Barriers A widespread