Going through menopause is a milestone for every woman. If you have yet to experience it, you may already have an idea of what to expect, like mood swings, hot flashes, and so on. However, what isn’t common knowledge is the impact that menopause has on your sex life. Shouldn’t Sex Be Getting Better After Menopause?
In this post, we’ll examine what you can expect with sex after menopause and how you can improve your sex life.
What is happening to my sex drive?
Menopausal women most commonly experience a waning sex drive. You feel bloated, your hormones are out of whack, and you may find sex uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness. Is it any wonder then that your sex drive might take a nosedive?
Of course, if you’re lucky, you might find that your sex drive increases instead, possibly from pregnancy no longer being a risk. (don’t confuse this with peri menopause, when you can get pregnant).
Why is this happening?
Your estrogen and testosterone levels both drop during menopause, making it more difficult to become aroused in the first place. The decrease in estrogen can also cause your vagina to secrete less lubrication, and thus make having sex more uncomfortable.
Then, of course, other changes might have an impact on your libido. It’s common for women to gain weight during this time, which could impact your self-confidence. Night sweats and hot flashes could make you feel uncomfortable and not wanting to be touched. Irritability and depression can also make you less interested in sex.
Shouldn’t Sex Be Getting Better After Menopause?
You could speak to your gynaecologist about hormone replacement therapy to help increase your libido and relieve vaginal dryness. If that doesn’t sound like a good fit for you, there are other options.
If sex is uncomfortable, speak to your partner about it. Spending more time on foreplay, and experimenting with different positions is a great way to liven the mood and increase lubrication, rather than jumping right in and risking dryness. While it may not be the most romantic notion, scheduling sex may also be helpful to give you time to prepare.
It would be best if you also considered using a lubricant. A water-soluble lube like K-Y Jelly is ideal if you’re using condoms. Avoid products like Vaseline as it can degrade the latex of the condom. They can also create a breeding ground for bacteria. Daily vaginal moisturizers are great for reducing dryness.
Finally, get more exercise to decrease anxiety and combat weight gain. Kegel exercises should also be performed. They help keep the pelvic floor toned, and can boost circulation in the area, improving comfort during sex.
Final Notes
Menopause is the end of fertility, but that doesn’t mean that you can never have great sex again. You may experience more dryness and discomfort during sex due to the hormonal changes, but this is simple to combat.
What’s more, with the fear of pregnancy off the table (assuming you are post menopausal), you can finally relax and have fun. So why not start enjoying yourself today? Read more about menopause, it’s symptoms, and how to cope on our site
