Having Sex after Menopause - Tips and Advice for Women

Time was when sex was viewed as something to go through in order to have children. According to this notion, women after menopause had no business making love, much less enjoying it. While the arrival of the pill separated a woman’s capacity to have sex and bear children for ever, the resulting change in attitude also made it possible for them to take pleasure in sex even after menopause. While the body surely goes through significant changes during and after menopause, one can certainly continue to have sex and enjoy it too.

However first of all it is necessary to understand what is menopause and its significance in a woman’s love life. Menopause marks the end of the fertile period in a woman’s life and is typically diagnosed twelve months after she ceases menstruating. While symptoms may vary widely among women, some of the most common complaints are hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, weight gain and stress. Educate yourself by reading as much as you can find on the subject. You could hit the library and pore over printed material or ask your family doctor about the physiological and emotional processes involved in a female menopause. Once you know about the symptoms and the, you are better prepared not only to deal with uncomfortable symptoms but also to find ways to adjust your sex life accordingly.

The primary reason why menopause is mistakenly thought to imply an end to a woman’s sex life is the gamut of hormonal changes this brings. In the years leading up to the menopause, the level of estrogen starts to fall. Estrogen is an important female sex hormone and is responsible for keeping the vagina well lubricated for pleasurable sex. Falling estrogen levels during menopause thus might make the vagina and vulva slightly drier than previously - not only making sex more uncomfortable but also making a woman more prone to urinary tract infections. At the same time her breasts may also lose bulk due to reduced estrogen levels. These signs coupled with other middle-age changes like sagging skin, increased wrinkles and thinner hair may make women feel less confident about their physical appeal. Consequently they may feel that they are less attractive to their partners than before and thus less interested in sex.

However the truth is that most changes are physical in nature and hence can be taken care of through medications and lifestyle changes. Menopause is a physiological transition phase and not a disease. Still some women may experience distressing medical conditions during this time like hot flashes, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, fatigue and urinary problems. So take steps to seek medical advice if your symptoms begin to affect your normal sex life. Your doctor may advise symptomatic treatment or hormone replacement therapy as he/she sees fit.

A healthy diet is imperative during this time as well as for future well-being. Make sure your meals are rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, soy and nuts. Avoid bringing junk food into the house which may tempt you to eat something that will aggravate your menopausal symptoms. Encourage your partner to help you stick to your diet since nothing is as aggravating as when your partner is munching on a Friday night pizza and you have to survive on a salad.

Along with a proper diet you also need to get the required amount of sleep. Insomnia is a major menopausal symptom so ask your doctor how you can deal with it effectively. Once you start sleeping better, you will be less exhausted and more capable of enjoying intimacy with your partner.

Vaginal dryness is one of biggest drawbacks to enjoying sex after menopause. However there are several ways you can deal with this – go for an OTC gel or lubricant which will ease the soreness and discomfort that arises from vaginal dryness. Alternately you can ask your doctor about other preparations like the estring vaginal ring, ortho-gynest cream or pessaries, ovestin cream and premarin vaginal cream that are topically applied and contain some amount of hormones as well. However always consult your doctor before using these since some of the hormones in these creams could be absorbed into your system and even lead to side-effects.

Today there is increasing evidence that women are not only capable of having sex after menopause, but in fact they are better able to enjoy it. First and foremost they are no longer bothered about contraceptives and so have more freedom to indulge in spontaneous sex. Also changing hormonal levels brought on by menopause, especially a shift in the ratio of testosterone to estrogen and progesterone could increase their interest in sex. Finally by the time they reach 50 or so, a lot of women have gained a great deal of love-making experience and skill which enables them to better express their needs and desires.