That answer varies. I, for one, can not imagine a relationship without sex, a lot of it, with the most open expression of carnal desires. But that’s just me. My marriage ended after years without sex. I’m not down for that. Sex is very important to me, not just the orgasm, but the unrepressed expression of the beast that is human. And that is fine, just like it’s fine to be abstinent. But don’t expect me to be in a relationship that does not fulfill my needs. The sexualities of those in relationships together need to match somewhat.

Talk to your doctor.

No but I know people who continue to enjoy it well past menopause.

I would say "Lube" or Vitamin E capsules taken vaginally.

Past that I would suggest a visit to an OB/GYN.

Sex hurting is something to have checked.

I am 80, impotent, and sex is limited to snuggling and cuddling with perhaps a bit of oral play if it is mutual. Life is good.

I think it can survive without sex but only if that suits you both.

Umm....I'm curious. Are you just talking intercourse, or was every thing else off the table too? I always said I could be with a quadrapedgic as long as his tongue worked! No offence to the disabled, of course (if your tongue works, you aren't disabled!!).

Just going to throw this in, but, did you try other types of sex? There's way more than one way to be intimate.

Yes it can survive, but not as it was.
I have stayed and supported partners through this, only to have them call things quits because the relationship lost something. Still friends, still do things together support each other, but not as partners, not together, more like aged siblings.

There are many other components to a healthy relationship than sex. I've stayed an entire year in a relationship that had no sex for various reasons, eventually outside things killed it though.

Sex may not be the "end all and be all", but if he wants it, and she doesn't, he's going to get it elsewhere. So, the question is...can the relationship survive THAT?

If you don't want sex because you don't like it anymore, that's one thing. But if you DO want sex, but can't because it hurts, I recommend looking into ashwagandha. I was dating a menopausal woman, and she had "issues", and we tried ashwagandha. It worked for us.

Yes, a loving relationship is very possib le without sex, especially when both are past middle age.

Menopause is the worst thing while going through it as I am myself. I don't have a bf so can't help with the sex part. My drive has subsided but still get the urge sometimes, thank goodness for vibrators! Good luck to you and see a Dr. about the pain, my sis did and was happy she did. There is a med for it.

Your body your rules but have you checked out female HRT? Just make sure you see a good endocrinologist. There are different versions of estrogen and progesterone to take but with regular check-ups and blood work it's safer than OTC NSAIDS. Having said that sex is not a requirement for a committed relationship but it IS important. What happened to you happened to my ex but it was not our only issue. All of it together along with the lack of sex caused the break up. Good luck and peace.

Sex is nice and pleasurable; I think most would agree. I think that emotional connections, and enjoying ones company without need for physical contact, is more important in a relationship though

Dissirregardlessness (< yes, i made that up) of sex, how did you feel about him? As most know, a woman's body sure has real changes when she's in the mood / real feelings of desire for her partner.

Sex is very important, in my opinion - it shouldn't hurt, though. I'm sorry that yours hurt.

I have survived without it, not by choice. lol

Sorry it hurt. I'm sure that you tried to find out what might be causing the pain?

How important it is varies from one person to another. If intercourse hurts try other methods.

My libido varies with my hormones. I'm perimenopausal as well. A lot of the time, I'm pretty indifferent about sex. And since I haven't had a relationship in a few years, I'm not really sure how it would feel to have sex now. I mostly don't think about it much. Lacking a boyfriend, it's something of an academic subject.

Ok... it's called atrophic vaginitis...which is an oxymoron to me ..but, anyway, easy fix us topically applied vaginal hormone cream. Works like a dream. Or, sometimes you just need a very patient partner who will take numerous gentle tried with lube, advancing a tiny bit each time. Do not settle for not having sex. This is common but fixable

Yes as some people enter into a relashionship knowing there won't be sex. men have got hands and porn si no it isnt that important in your case. your partner was obviously a selfish prick.

My current sex partner was post menopausal when I met her and tells me that she has experienced more and more powerful orgasms in the first six months I knew her than she could remember in her life. I had a prostate infection a dozen years ago and can't mantain an erection for more than a minute. Is sex the be all and end all of relationships? Maybe for some it is. Maybe a change in circumstance can end a relationship. Or maybe it's just a test of your passion and creativity.

A lack of sex in a relationship can also be seen as a form of rejection. My wife has had some health issues and has no libido for the last year or so. It makes me feel unwanted and rejected and adds to my own issues of depression. Sex bonds a couple and the absence of it all too often dissolves those bonds. That is extremely painful.

Of course it can - if that's what all parties are content with.

Though I went through a "shut-down" phase myself years ago, now past it, I can say I'm pretty much as horny as I ever was , with all systems go ! Never took hormone replacement either ... Wouldn't wish to be in a relationship without any sex - though if there's no lover around, there's always "BOB".

• battery operated boyfriend

It shouldn't hurt.

Sex gets it out of the way.