HAVING read Helen Mead's condemnation of sex (May 12), I am at a loss to understand the message she wants to put across.

She declared herself suspicious of the findings of a recent survey - that women over 40 enjoyed sex more than before. If she truly feels that sex is something to be avoided at all costs, what a sad woman she must be, and how much she is missing.

Younger women may be justified in feeling too tired to indulge in what is after all the world's most popular and longest-established pastime, what with babies, household chores and often work. But once children have grown up, and work seems less arduous, then women can re-capture the pleasures of early married life, that is if they have any sense, and take their marriage, and their men, seriously.

Happy marriage is the most desirable state in which to live, and to try and rule out sex is cruel and wrong. I hope Helen realises this before it is too late!

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

..."NO time for the joys of sex - in the garden" says Helen Mead, mother, housewife and columnist (May 12). Tell that to the birds and bees, Helen!

Dale Minks,

Ancress Walk, York.

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, May 15, 2003