Many women in the midst of menopause fear their sexual lives have
come to an end. The loss of fertility and the symptoms alone can make this feel
like a very real, and very frightening possibility. The truth is there is sex after menopause. It might be a little different, but it can be just as
rewarding, invigorating and as intimate as it once was and perhaps even more.
There are many reasons why women feel like their sex lives are
over during this phase of life. The psychological impacts of menopause for some
women are enough on their own to make this seem like reality. Add to this the
physiological symptoms and some of the social taboos that go along with sex in
middle age and a recipe for potential disaster is present.
The simple truth of the matter is that sex after menopause is not
only possible, it can be wonderfully close and as healthy as breathing. This
perfectly natural phase of life only signals an end to reproductive viability.
It does not end the need for intimacy with one's partner.
Coping with the impacts of menopause on sex life can be a little
difficult, however. The basic and most common symptoms of this phase can put a
serious damper on libido. Some of the most common symptoms that will need to be
overcome to enjoy a healthy, normal sex life during pre-menopause and after
include:
-
Hormonal loss of libido. The reduced production of female sexual hormones
might make "getting in the mood" more difficult. Stimulation might require
more effort and it is possible drive will be virtually lost for a while.
This generally does right itself eventually. Hormonal therapies, if advised,
can sometimes help here. So, too, can the passage of a little time.
-
Vaginal dryness. This is a common complaint of menopause. It is one of the
many reasons that sex after menopause is deemed by some to be undesired.
This can easily be overcome through the use of over-the-counter lubricants.
Some hormonal replacement therapies can also work to help with this.
-
Painful intercourse. This is typically a result of dryness, but it tends to
be listed as its own major complaint. Lubricants can help with this, as
well.
There are other possible
symptoms of menopause that can get in the way of enjoying a healthy sex life
following its onset. Everything from mood swings and lack of sleep can compound
to make sexual pleasure more difficult to even consider let alone attain.
Women who are concerned about a
lack of desire, painful intercourse or extreme dryness can often benefit from
speaking with their health care provider. It is possible that help is available
to assist in overcoming the concerns.
Stimulation
problems can often be
overcome, as well. Menopausal women can be aroused. There are many, however, who
falsely believe arousal and orgasm are not possible. It might require more work
to achieve arousal and orgasm, but it is not out of the question. Women can help
themselves learn to enjoy sex after menopause more by performing Kegel exercises
to keep muscles in tone.
As far as societal taboos, it is
important for women to remember that sex after menopause is perfectly natural
and normal. Just because fertility has ceased, does not mean the need for
intimacy between couples has dissipated.
Getting used to sex after menopause might require some time and
different strategies, but it can be as rewarding as ever. In fact, many women
feel sex after menopause is liberating since the concerns of pregnancy have gone
away. Do take care to continue to use birth control until the time without a
menstrual cycle has reached the 12-month mark. This is simply to err on the side
of caution. Also, don't forget that sex after menopause does not free a woman
from concerns about sexually transmitted disease.
