I don't think women willingly "give up sex" as a unilateral decision. It's not as if a woman says "Ok, I'm 50 - I've had enough sex for a lifetime. I'm done."

Of course menopause plays a role in the decrease of sexuality - the hormones that foster ovulation, pregnancy, lactation are all out of whack - so the purely biological impetus for sexual activity - procreation - is gone for the most part. Also, these changes can affect a woman's bodily sexual response resulting in uncomfortable or painful intercourse.

So sexual activity becomes purely recreational (no intent to conceive).

If given a loving, attentive and understanding (understanding the possible difficulties of post-menepausal intercourse) sex partner, most woman would relish an active sex life well after the age of 50.

So maybe the problem isn't that woman "give up on sex" after 50. As you stated, you aren't as sexually motivated as you once were. If you aren't as motivated to pursue your sexual pleasure, I doubt you are motivated to ensure the sexual please of your partner. Then love making becomes a quick "poke and release", not very fulfilling for a woman.

In the confines of a good, healthy relationship (love, affection, mutual respect, honesty, understanding for sexual difficulties, male and/or female), getting older doesn't necessarily have to mean the end of a fulfilling sex life. Of course, some adaptations may need to be made, but sex can still be frequently enjoyed by both partners.

I am 57 and still enjoy lovemaking with my husband.

ETA: I also think most individuals are actually seeking emotional intimacy when they seek sex. A peek at the "Sexless Marriage" support group reveals a lack of affection, intimacy and companionship in many of the relationships discussed. For many men or women, a quickie in the living room will not remedy the relationship's absence of love and mutual respect. In order to have a healthy sex life regardless of one's age, it is necessary to have all the elements of a healthy relationship. It is so easy to hook up with someone for sex in our current social environment, no one wanting purely sex need go without.

I am the same age as Yard Eggs. She does sum things up rather well.
I have been married for 17 yrs (the last 12 with no affection, communication, physical touch of any kind … except maybe a quick peck here or there,... or help of any kind. ) My stbx just shut down both physically and emotionally . He had no desire or need for sex so he just goes day to day going through the motions. I tried that for awhile, but it is no way to live.

For me it is probably craving what I don't have, but also in late 50s, I would welcome more sex. (But that is because I have sex on the brain and wish for that affection and connection again) I have spoken with many... men and women on both sides … wanting and not … It seems some women lose interest because they are preoccupied with raising kids and doing everything . It becomes less of a priority... especially if it is (as Yard eggs pointed out) a poke and release. There are quite a few who already slow things down in their late 40s... premenopausal.

On the flip side, there are others men (and women) who have a good libido and are lucky to find a willing and satisfying partner that are still going strong well past 50s. (Sadly, I am not one without my toys. )

The best way for you to find out is to actually discuss it with your wife (or SO) to see if she is on the same page. That is your best bet to find an answer.

Hormones are out of whack - Also, these changes can affect a woman's bodily sexual response resulting in uncomfortable or painful intercourse.

I couldn't tell when I was going through Menopause. Usually a woman can depend on her mother's age, and how old mother was, back when she began Menopause, so you can get a general idea. Most daughters fall in line with their mother.. I would like to discuss Menopause some more, but there's a lot of it that is!

Hi, please accept my apology for re-printing what you wrote, yourself. I didn't copy that paragraph with intentions of (it was a good sentence, from your well written piece!

I’m 50 and I still enjoy sex and would like more but my husbands drive doesn’t match mine. I can tell you, when he is interested I don’t turn him down. I think women want to feel desired, they want love and affection and with that comes sex.

My wife had a hysterectomy, gave up on hormone tretaments and never even told me she'd gone frigid. Just rejected me almost all the time and then it was all the time. When i finially pushed the issue I got distant wife then hurtful wife and when all else failed a half assed attempt that did little but put insurmountable pressure on me. By design it looks.
How can you be so non-communicative as to not think that was a discussion worthy fact? Now I feel broken as well.
Worse yet she is the type to never change her mind when asked for a good reason and NEVER own what she's done. How am I supposed to deal with that?

Just before the hysterectomy, I got really horny. Don't know why. After, I was still craving the touch and loving whatever I got(which wasn't much). To this day almost 20 years ago, I do want sex. Off the hormone patches too for a few years. It is only stress that keeps me from enjoying (toys at this point). I still want a good "O" and try to get one each time.
I must admit it has been more than 4 weeks since I did anything because of the infection and stress I've been having but one of these days, I am going to get nekkid and do it again!!!!

Go for it Mary!! :)

Who wants sex after Menopause? I'm talking about intercourse of course, but there's other things couples can do - with the correct tools!! lol

I'm not quite 50, I'll be 48 next month but sex is still very much a priority for me. My husband and I had a good sex life until emotional issues entered the picture. Now that he insists he wants a divorce and sleeps in the living room, nothing happening. You can tell when things are "off" with someone's feelings towards you and it comes out in the bedroom. When you feel cared for and happy in your relationship, the sex can be great. It doesn't matter if you have physical issues. There are plenty of medications and toys assist with that.

No way I am 51 and just hitting my stride or prime always in the mood alot. I have never felt sexier then late 40s and even better now. In my early fifties wish I had a live body to have sex but
Masturbating is the best for me. Every woman is different.

As I'm still very attractive to my husband he's very handsome and energetic and love him very much. I notice as I've just turned 38 and after having 2 kids 1 recently in March i notice I've wanted it more and more with him lately.