Menopause & Sex Life

Menopause is one stage in women’s life when she discovers few things that takes her by surprise. Due to the loss of estrogen and testosterone after menopause triggers changes in a women’s body such as not getting aroused, less sensitive to touching and stroking that can lead to less interest in sex. Another change is experiencing pain during or after intercourse due to dryness in the vagina. This can potentially create emotional and physical blockades between the couples.

This is definitely not the norm, in some post menopausal women the sex drive actually improves due to various factors. While most women are quick to join the two missing dots and guess the relationship between pain and menopause, others in spite of experiencing pain during active sexual life, just put up with it due to unwillingness to accept this obvious fact.

Can something be actually done? In most cases, these symptoms can be treated by the use of vaginal lubricants, moisturizers and some medication. The important thing is to frankly discuss the concerns with their Gynecologist. As, of course, sexual intimacy at all ages is important for individual’s and the couples togetherness and satiety.

Why menopause has to mean the end of sex?

Speaking with your Doctor is the first positive step in the right direction. Research concluded that very negligible number of women preferred to speak with their doctor over this matter due to social taboos, further few simply followed the basic management remedies like using lubricants to put up with pain, while majority of them resorted to avoiding sex altogether. The myth that pain will go away on its own only worsens the problem when not treated properly.

Pain happens to be a natural symptom associated with menopause as in women biology, estrogen help to maintain the thickness and elasticity of your vaginal tissues before menopause. With age, estrogen levels drop and result in changes in those tissues which can lead to vulvar and vaginal atrophy leading to painful sex.

So, yes ! by all means pain during sex with the onset of menopause is a medical condition.

• Do not hesitate to talk to your health care provider about the treatment options available. Don’t rely too much on temporary relief from pain that lubricants or moisturizers provide.
• Prescription options are available to treat this condition such as once a daily, hormone-free oral pill. Speak with your doctor on this option.
• Not only any thing else, it is important to discuss the pros & cons of various treatments with your doctor to as well help you opt for the one that is best for you.

If you want to enjoy and strengthen those intimate moments with your partner without menopause pain interference, take a step forward discuss with your partner, medical counselor or your doctor