• Menopause
• Vaginal Changes
• Sexual Health

Navigating Sex After Menopause: What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed and edited by Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Navigating sexual relationships after menopause is often a sensitive topic, but one that you should be able to honestly discuss with your partner.

As women go through menopause, hormonal changes can significantly impact their sexual experiences, desires, and overall intimacy.

Understanding and addressing the challenges that women face during this time is crucial for fostering healthy relationships.

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What is Menopause?

Menopause is a biological process that most women go through during their late 40s and early 50s, caused by intense hormonal changes — specifically the decline in estrogen and progesterone.

Experiencing menopause means that you have reached the end of your reproductive years.

Menopause and Sexual Changes

During menopause, women experience significant hormonal changes that can have an impact on their sexual health.

One of the primary hormonal changes is a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping the vagina healthy by maintaining lubrication, elasticity, and tissue health.

As estrogen levels decrease, many women may experience vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort during intercourse.

Another hormone affected by menopause is testosterone. While testosterone is typically associated with male sexuality, it also plays a role in a woman’s desire and arousal. During menopause, testosterone levels can decline and lead to a decrease in libido or sexual interest. This can result in a reduced interest in sexual activities.

Menopause can also cause changes in the way women respond to sexual thoughts or initiations to be intimate.

Some women may experience decreased desire or find that it takes them longer than normal to become aroused. They may also notice changes in orgasm intensity and frequency.

It’s important to note that not all women experience the same sexual changes during menopause. Some may not face any significant challenges, while others might find the journey more difficult.

It's vital to communicate openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have about sexual changes during menopause. They can provide expert guidance and recommend strategies to help you manage your symptoms.

Managing Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

During menopause, the decline in estrogen can also have an impact on vaginal health and lubrication.

Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the thickness and elasticity of muscle tissue, and as it decreases, the vaginal walls become thinner and drier. When a person experiences vaginal dryness, it can lead to uncomfortable and painful intercourse that can negatively impact enjoyment and satisfaction.

Use lubricants

Using water-based lubricants during sexual activity may provide temporary relief by reducing friction. This can help to increase your overall enjoyment and comfort during sex.

If you’re using products to improve vaginal lubrication, it’s essential to choose products that are free from irritants — like fragrances — to avoid aggravating allergies and sensitivities.

Consider vaginal moisturizers

Vaginal moisturizers are topical creams that are applied to improve dryness. They may also help you maintain overall vaginal health.

Unlike lubricants, moisturizers are designed for long-term use and can help alleviate dryness and discomfort.

Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor

For women experiencing more severe symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be a good treatment option. HRT involves supplementing hormones like estrogen to restore the body’s natural balance.

This can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal dryness and it may improve your sexual experiences during menopause.

Before starting HRT, discuss the potential benefits, risks, and side effects with your doctor to determine if it’s the most appropriate solution for you.

Maintain good overall health

Maintaining good overall health by staying hydrated and avoiding irritants — such as harsh soaps or douches — can also provide symptomatic relief.

These irritants can aggravate symptoms like vaginal dryness, which may increase your discomfort.

Communicating with Your Partner

Open and honest communication with your partner is essential during menopause, especially when it comes to sexual needs and concerns. It’s important to have conversations about how your responses may have changed to ensure a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Below are some guidelines on how you can communicate with your partner about these issues:

• Choose the right time and place: Find a comfortable and private setting where you both feel relaxed enough to talk about this sensitive topic without distractions.

• Use "I" statements: Express your feelings and concerns using "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory or confrontational. For example, say, "I've been experiencing changes in my sex drive lately, and I wanted to discuss it with you."

• Be empathetic and understanding: Listen to your partner's thoughts and feelings. Validate their experiences and show understanding.

• Be patient and nonjudgmental: Menopause affects individuals differently, and being patient and understanding goes a long way. Avoid judgment or criticism and create a safe space for open dialogue.

• Explore together: Discuss ways to adapt your sexually active lifestyle and explore new approaches to intimacy and pleasure. Explore alternative forms of physical affection — such as cuddling, massage, or non-genital touching — which can help maintain emotional intimacy.

• Seek professional help if needed: If challenges persist or become overwhelming, consider getting professional guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual health. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

Remember, open communication is a two-way street. Encourage your partner to share their feelings and concerns as well.

By creating a trusting atmosphere, you can navigate the changes of menopause together and discover new ways to maintain your sexual relationship.

Enhancing Sexual Desire and Arousal

Explore different ways to be intimate

After menopause, it’s important to find new and different ways to be intimate.

Menopause can cause significant changes in sexual function, so approaching this phase with compassion and curiosity is key.

Couples may benefit from activities like role-playing, sharing fantasies, or trying different techniques to reignite an interest in sex. Exploring these things together can also add excitement and variety to your sex life, which may stimulate arousal, too.

Finding new ways to be intimate can be as simple as:

• Trying different sexual positions

• Exploring different erogenous zones

• Engaging in sensual activities like giving each other massages or bathing together

Look after your physical and emotional well being

Physical well being plays a significant role in maintaining sexual health during menopause.

Getting regular exercise can improve blood flow, boost energy levels, and increase your overall health. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga can also promote a sense of well-being and positively affect desire.

Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is also important. A balanced diet can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal sexual health.

Emotional well being is also closely linked to sexual satisfaction.

Taking time to manage stress through meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce tension and improve sexual desire.

Nurturing self-confidence and body image can also positively impact your sexual experiences. Practice self-care, seek support from loved ones, or consult a therapist to ensure that you are looking after your mental health.

Pelvic floor exercises

Also known as Kegel exercises, pelvic floor exercises can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles that support sexual function.

These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which can improve sexual pleasure and bladder control.

To perform Kegel exercises, concentrate on the muscles used to stop the flow of urine.

Contract these muscles for 5-10 seconds, then relax for the same amount of time. Repeat this process 10-15 times, a few times a day.

Regular practice can strengthen the vaginal tissue, increase blood flow to the genital area, and make sexual experiences more enjoyable.

Consider sexual wellness products

Couples can also consider sexual wellness products — such as vibrators and lubricants — to enhance pleasure during menopause.

Products like vibrators can be valuable tools for increasing arousal, especially for women who are experiencing changes in sensitivity. They come in various shapes, sizes, and functionalities to suit your personal preferences.

When choosing a vibrator, opt for body-safe materials — like silicon — and make sure to only purchase from reputable brands.

Other products, like lubricants, can be great for managing vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex when you are going through menopause.

Water-based lubricants are usually the recommended choice because they are compatible with most condoms and sex toys.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sex during menopause can be slightly uncomfortable but it should never be extremely painful.

If your sexual experiences during menopause cause symptoms like vaginal burning and itching or spotting — also known as vaginal atrophy — it might be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.

Don’t wait until you experience severe pain to visit your doctor — it’s recommended to schedule an appointment earlier rather than later.

When you ignore your symptoms, it can lead to further complications — like tears in the vaginal lining or muscle spasms — that can be difficult to treat.

If pain during intercourse continues, it may be an indication of an underlying health condition or sexual dysfunction. Common factors that can cause this include:

• Endometriosis

• Ovarian cysts

• Pelvic mass

• Scar tissue from surgery

• A sexually transmitted infection (STI)

• Vaginitis

It’s important to seek professional medical attention if you are experiencing extreme discomfort during sex. Your doctor can perform a proper evaluation to help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment method.

Where Can I Learn More About Menopause and Sexual Health?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about sex during menopause, LifeMD is here to help.

Licensed medical professionals can assist you with information about menopause and provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy sexual relationship — all from the comfort of your home.

Make an appointment today and start feeling better in and out of the bedroom.

Dina Whiteaker, APRN

Dina earned her MSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center before becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has 10ᐩ years of telemedicine experience. Dina is board certified and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

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