Awesome Sex After Menopause: OB-GYN Tips and Advice (Part 1)
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Time to read 3 min
Menopause is a natural biological transition in a woman's life that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It occurs between 45 and 55, bringing about many changes to a woman's body, including hormonal changes that affect sexual function.
Women who go through menopause may experience vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and painful intercourse. These changes can make sex after menopause challenging, but there are ways to address these issues and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
Dr Dmitry Loktionov - MB. BCh. OB-GYN
Dr. Dmitry is an accomplished doctor, women's health advocate, and founder of Quanna, a next-generation sexual wellness brand. With a background in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, he works towards empowering women with knowledge and improving access to holistic care.
TL;DR
Understanding the Changes to Sex After Menopause
The hormonal changes during menopause can cause physical changes in a woman's body, affecting sexual function. Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, meaning the ovaries no longer produce eggs. This leads to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that play a crucial role in female reproductive health.
Estrogen helps to keep the vagina lubricated and healthy, while progesterone helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Decreasing these hormones can lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or painful. It can also cause a reduction in libido, or sex drive, making it difficult to get in the mood for sex.
Addressing Vaginal Dryness
One of the most common issues that women face with sex after menopause is vaginal dryness. This can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. As part of sex advice, there are several ways to address this issue, including sex lubricants and moisturizers.
Sex lubes are designed to provide relief from vaginal dryness during sexual activity. They come in various forms, including water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Water-based lubricants are the most commonly used, as they are safe to use with condoms and don't stain.
Moisturizers, on the other hand, are designed to provide long-term relief from vaginal dryness. They are applied regularly to the vaginal area to help keep it moisturized and healthy. Moisturizers come in various forms, including creams, gels, and suppositories.
Choosing a lubricant or moisturizer specifically designed for vaginal use is essential. Some products may contain ingredients that can irritate the sensitive skin of the vagina, so it's necessary to read the label carefully and choose a safe and effective product.
Expert Tip: Using a CBD lube will not only help with vaginal dryness but help to increase blood flow and sexual arousal during menopause.
Increasing Libido
Many women experience decreased libido after menopause, making it difficult to get in the mood for sex. Several ways to address this issue include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves taking estrogen and progesterone to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. HRT can help to increase libido and improve sexual function, but it's essential to talk to a doctor to determine if it's the right option for you.
Making lifestyle changes can also help to increase libido. This includes regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and sleeping well. Exercise can help to increase blood flow to the genital area, which can improve sex health. A healthy diet can help improve overall health and well-being, positively affecting sexual connections.
Natural remedies can also be effective in increasing libido. This includes taking supplements such as Maca, Tribulas and Pine Bark, which are believed to have aphrodisiac properties to increase sex drive and help increase blood flow. At the end of the day, the more blood flow during arousal the better.
Painful Intercourse
Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is another common issue women face after menopause. Vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, or other factors such as vaginal infections or pelvic floor disorders can cause it.
Treating painful intercourse may involve a combination of treatments, including lubricants, hormone replacement therapy, and pelvic floor exercises. It's important to talk to a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the pain and to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective.
Conclusion
Sex after menopause can be challenging, but there are ways to address the physical changes during this time and enjoy a fulfilling sex life. This includes managing vaginal dryness, increasing libido, and treating painful intercourse.
It's important to talk to a doctor about any concerns or issues you may be experiencing, as they can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Part 2 of this series will explore additional tips for enjoying sex after menopause.
