Menopause can make things slightly different, including your sex life. Below, we review 6 ways that menopause may change things up in the bedroom and what to do about it.
Often, menopause is referred to as the “big change” for women. But, just because things may become a little different for you, your body, and your intimate relationships after menopause doesn’t mean it isn’t satisfying.
Sex after menopause may have a few extra variables thrown in, or extra things to consider, but it can still be great and a valuable bonding experience for you and your partner.
Below, we will cover some of the most common ways that your sex life may be different after menopause (or while you are going through it). Of course, if these changes bother you, you can always speak with your doctor or a therapist about ways to help work past them.
Once you go through menopause, your hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are likely much lower than they were back in the day. And, since these hormones are partially responsible for making you feel “in the mood”, you may find that your desire for sex is much lower.
If this bothers you, you may be able to speak with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), where a variety of hormones may be replaced including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
For some women, they have improved libido by replacing “lost” hormone levels. However, be aware that HRT is not suitable for everyone, including women with hormone-related cancers, or a history of blood clots. HRT is also not without potential adverse effects. Talk to your doctor to see if HRT is a good option for your low libido.
Arousal is the physical response that your body goes through when a sexual stimulus is present. For women, this means increased lubrication, blood flow to the vaginal areas, and expansion of the vagina to prepare for intercourse.
Without proper arousal, sex may be uncomfortable or impossible.
The decline in hormones after menopause, combined with declining blood flow or nerve problems from aging or medical conditions may lead to difficulty becoming adequately aroused for sex.
Some women may try estrogen or testosterone HRT to help improve arousal response, or use topical non-hormonal options like our O Cream to help improve blood flow to the area and potentially improve stimulation.
After menopause sex may become painful due to the lower estrogen levels. Without adequate estrogen, the vaginal walls can thin and lose elasticity. The vaginal tissues may also feel dry and produce less lubrication in the presence of lower estrogen levels.
You can talk to your doctor about estrogen creams, insertable tablets, or estrogen-releasing insertable rings to help improve your vaginal health. Using vaginal moisturizers on a regular basis may also help with daily discomfort from dryness. And, using lubricants during sex may help reduce the pain and discomfort experienced.
Intimacy doesn’t always need to mean sex. After menopause, you may find other ways to stay connected and feel close to your partner.
Cuddling, sensual massage, doing your favorite hobbies together, or just spending quality time may become your favorite ways to be together.
Talk to your partner about their needs and feelings, but you may find that you are both ok with sometimes opting for intimacy without sex.
For some women, they feel empowered after menopause and take this time to delve into different ways to be intimate alone or with a partner.
After menopause, women may enjoy not having the burden of worrying about pregnancy, any children may be grown and out of the home, and you may find more time on your hands to devote to yourself and your partner.
This may mean that you are experimenting with your changing body and needs by trying out some toys, enhancement creams, or just getting more creative in the bedroom.
It is normal for couples to naturally reduce the frequency of their intimacy later on in a relationship, or later on in life.
Other things may take priority, your desire levels may reduce, or you may just find that you both enjoy doing other things together more.
This can be a perfectly natural progression in your relationship, and does not mean that there is anything wrong with your connection.
Always be sure to talk with your partner about their needs and desires in the bedroom to make sure everyone is on the same page for frequency. If you both have different ideas of an ideal situation, compromise or speaking with a sex therapist or counselor to find solutions that can make everyone happy may be a good place to start.
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