Sex After Menopause

Menopause affects every woman differently. Some women coast through menopause with barely a single symptom. Others, though, deal with hot flashes, mood swings, and in some cases, issues surrounding their sexuality. Here, we explain some of the reasons menopausal women tend to experience issues with sexuality. We also show you that there really can be sex after menopause. There are various reasons why a woman’s sexuality can be affected during menopause. Here are a few:

Medication. Many medications such as hormone therapy and antidepressants can decrease a woman’s libido (her desire to have sex).

Self-image. Many women go through emotional changes during menopause, and as a result, they sometimes stop seeing themselves as attractive and desirable. This may then affect their desire to be intimate.

Hot flashes and night sweats. This is a common symptom of menopause, due to fluctuations in hormones levels. This may affect a woman’s desire to get close with her partner.

Pain. Due to changes in hormone levels, some women experience vaginal dryness. The vaginal walls may also become thinner and less flexible. Itching, burning, and occasional pain and bleeding may occur during intercourse—and a woman may find herself avoiding sex.

The Solution

Although the sexual side effects of menopause are very real, that doesn’t mean you should just have to accept them. Here are some ways to manage the symptoms:

Talk to your partner. Be open with your partner about your physical symptoms and also about any problems you may be having with your own self-image. Chances are your partner still sees you as beautiful and desirable. Now it’s a matter of believing it yourself.

Talk to your doctor. It’s important that you be open with your doctor about your symptoms. There are various hormone therapies that can be prescribed to regulate your levels, and some have few side effects. In addition, over-the-counter water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. If used regularly, vitamin E has shown to be beneficial as well.

Remember, menopause doesn’t define you. You’re still the same person. And if you address these issues in a healthy manner, you can continue to enjoy a satisfying love life.