Sexual Health & Menopause. Your Love Life can be just as great after the change.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Whether you're right in the thick of menopause, postmenopausal or just curious about the changes, you've probably thought about what these changes mean for your love life.
Here's what you need to know.
Your Vagina Isn't Going to Shrivel Up Anytime Soon
While your vagina will go through a few changes during menopause as you lose oestrogen, these changes aren't really detectable. And since blood flow down there tends to lessen, having sex will keep it at its best.
Get a Good Lubricant
The vagina does become drier after menopause, though. So get a good lubricant that's going to enhance your sexual experience and make it a lot more comfortable.
Your Body Image Won't Decline
While a lot of the changes that come with menopause are physical, there's also mental changes. Menopause tends to change the way we think about our bodies and sexuality and often it can affect our self-esteem. Don't let it, find ways to boost your sexual self-confidence.
You Can Still Catch an STD
Even postmenopausal women are at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Don't stop using condoms.
You'll Have to Work a Little Harder for an Orgasm
During and after menopause you're going to have to work a little harder to have an orgasm or two. Don't let it get you down, embrace who you are and have fun with that.
Your Sex Drive May Change
Menopause is different for different people. Some experience a decreased sex drive while others actually find an increase in sex. Some women experience a burst of adrenalin that can help with wanting to try new things.
You Might Find You Have a Greater Need for Intimacy
According to the professionals women still want intercourse after menopause but the act itself tends to become more intimate. Try starting foreplay in the morning with tender wakeup kisses, hand holding, a gentle tap on the butt and a few whispers of sweet nothings throughout the day. It's a great way to heighten the desire and push your sex drive as you and your partner take the time and effort to enjoy your encounters to the fullest.
You Could Find Your Vaginal Walls Thinning A Bit
Probably one of the main issues with intercourse after menopause is the decline in oestrogen levels. This decline further leads to a thinning of the vaginal walls. Combine this with dryness and sex can become a little more painful. It's a good idea to chat to your doctor about various oestrogen therapies and creams but keep in mind that such therapies and topical creams, while having been proven to have a highly positive effect, there is always the potential for other health problems when using oestrogens. Your doctor will discuss this in detail with you.
Exercise is Going to Help you Rev Up Your Sex Drive
Doctors agree that one of the best ways to rev up your libido is to work on your health. And that means increasing the amount of daily exercise you get. Think of your sex drive and function as a holistic health. So if you're emotionally or physically unhealthy your sex drive is definitely going to suffer. But gaining vigour and energy from regular exercise and a nutritious diet coupled with good sleeping patterns and mental health will ensure you continue to enjoy a revved up sex life.
Your Sex Life Isn't Really Going to Change that Dramatically
This is probably a comforting piece of information: the best possible predictor for having a good sex life post-menopause is to have a healthy sex life prior to menopause. If you're happy with your premenopausal sex life, you're a lot more likely to maintain that satisfaction after the “change”.
So the short and curlies of it...... keep practicing and roll with the process!!!