Intimacy, Intercourse and Menopause
Relationships, loss of libido, sexual intercourse & menopause!
Intercourse in perimenopause is not always a bed of roses! Menopause sex can come with some challenges, but with the right support and solutions, women can continue to enjoy intimacy and maintain healthy relationships. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause vaginal discomfort, but there are ways to address these intimate issues and improve overall sexual satisfaction throughout menopause.
Menopause intercourse doesn’t have to be painful!
While perimenopause can bring about physical and emotional changes that affect our sex lives, it's important to know that there are solutions available. Many women experience challenges such as decreased libido during perimenopause and painful penetration after menopause, but with the right support and communication, these issues can be addressed.
Why does sex drive dip during perimenopause?
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life that marks the end of her menstrual cycle. While this can bring about changes in our bodies, it's important to know that there are ways to manage these changes and maintain our overall health and wellbeing. During perimenopause, which can last for several years before menopause, women may experience a range of symptoms, including loss of libido and vaginal dryness.
Oestrogen plays an important role in keeping the vaginal tissues healthy and supple by promoting the production of natural secretions. This helps the tissues to stretch and expand comfortably during sex or childbirth. While decreasing oestrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, inflammation and discomfort during daily activities, there are effective ways to manage these symptoms.
The emotional impact of sexual problems in menopause
Menopause can bring about changes in progesterone and testosterone, which sometimes leads to a decrease in libido and other emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. When these changes are accompanied by painful sex, it can create a negative cycle that affects our relationships and overall wellbeing.
However, there are many practical steps that women can take to address these issues and improve their sexual health. By seeking out helpful resources and treatments, such as counseling, hormone replacement therapy, and lubricants, women can feel more confident and comfortable in their intimate relationships. By taking care of ourselves and our sexual health, we can continue to enjoy fulfilling and pleasurable experiences during and after menopause.
How can changes in lifestyle make a difference to sexual relationships?
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is key to our overall physical and mental health. By incorporating foods rich in magnesium, potassium and zinc, like spinach, pine nuts, and sweet potatoes, we can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to our vagina, while also increasing our testosterone levels to give our libido a healthy boost. And for an added treat, oysters are a delicious source of zinc that may be worth exploring!
Exercise is another powerful tool to keep our bodies and minds in top shape, and it's not just good for the heart - it's great for our vaginal health too! Regular exercise helps improve blood flow, keeping our vaginal tissues healthy and resilient. Plus, exercise releases endorphins that are well known to boost mood and counteract menopause-related low moods. So let's get moving, and feel great inside and out!
6 steps to spice up your sex life during & after menopause
Tell your partner how you feel
Reconnecting with your partner after a period of distance may seem challenging, but it's an opportunity to strengthen your bond and improve your sex life. Honest communication can help you both understand each other's needs and desires, and work towards a satisfying and fulfilling intimacy. With patience, openness, and a willingness to explore new things, you can find a way forward together.
Spend quality time together
Take a break from your routine and spend quality time with your partner, focusing on your relationship and what makes it special. It's important to prioritize your connection and show appreciation for each other. When we feel happy and valued, our desire for intimacy can increase. So, let go of the daily responsibilities for a while and enjoy each other's company.
Create the right atmosphere
Creating a romantic atmosphere can be a fun way to bring back the spark into your relationship. It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Simple things like lighting candles, taking a bubble bath together, or playing music that you both love can help set the mood and make you feel more connected. Make your time together matter! Create a space to forget about daily stresses and focus on your intimacy and love for each other.
Don’t be scared to play
Exploring different forms of intimacy can be an exciting and satisfying way to connect with your partner. While penetration is often seen as the main event, there are many other ways to experience pleasure and closeness, such as foreplay, kissing, and touching.
Don't be afraid to experiment with new things, including sex toys or exploring your fantasies. Many women have found success in overcoming sexual difficulties through the use of sex toys, which can enhance intimacy and pleasure. For more information and ideas, check out the website www.sh-womenstore.com.
A good quality lubricant
Enhance your pleasure with a high-quality lubricant! They can help you feel more relaxed and aroused, providing an added dimension to your intimate moments. It's versatile too - use it for sensual massage or during penetration for a smoother experience. Use a pH-friendly, non-drying and water-based, these are safe to use with condoms and sex toys.
Take the pressure off!
It's easy to get caught up in what other people are doing, but the truth is that every relationship is unique. Don't worry about how often others are having sex, what really matters is the connection between you and your partner. Take your time and keep communicating openly and honestly with each other.
One of the secrets to maintaining a healthy sex life is to keep having sex regularly. It may sound simple, but it's true! Even if it feels difficult or uncomfortable at first, using a high-quality lubricant can help make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Plus, regular sex can actually help keep your vaginal tissues healthy and elastic, so don't give up!
Final thoughts
Of course, it’s not easy to move past these barriers once they are in place. If you’re still struggling, go and see your GP who can talk to you about available treatments like HRT or a registered, specialist sex and relationship therapist. They will offer confidential individual or couples therapy to help you overcome these barriers- find out more by visiting COSRT.
Guest blog by Sylk
February 2022
