A Great Sex Life During Menopause...Is It Possible?

Menopause has arrived and with it a whole bunch of changes to your body both physically and mentally. As for a sex life, some women over 50 find that they still enjoy sex, but it’s different than it used to be. It can suddenly hurt when it didn’t before. This is due to estrogen levels dropping during menopause, causing your vagina to become less elastic; It can even tear during sex or bleed afterward. Having less estrogen can also make urinary tract infections more common that can cause discomfort in the vaginal area.

Then there’s the night sweats, hot flashes and insomnia. Nothing gets you out of the mood faster than being exhausted and physically uncomfortable.

In a recent survey, 38% of men said their wife's night sweats and insomnia related to menopause affected intimacy, and they cited their partner's lack of sleep or poor sleep as the main reason.

In a study done by Johns Hopkins, half of women in their 50s report continued sexual activity, but this percentage declines to 27% in women in their 70s. More than a third of women in perimenopause or menopause report having sexual difficulties, from lack of interest in sex to trouble having an orgasm.

So, what can you do to keep an active and fulfilling sex life during menopause?

Here are a few ideas.

Talk to your doctor.

This might not be an easy thing for some women, especially if their doctor is a man. But they are a vital source when it comes to sexual issues during menopause. They will likely run tests to see what your hormone levels are. Drops or rises in estrogen and testosterone can greatly affect your sex drive. Doctors can prescribe medications and point you in the direction of helpful resources.

And remember, men or women, they’re doctors ...they’ve heard it all!

Educate yourself.

There are medical reasons that you are struggling with sex. A drop in estrogen and testosterone in menopause can lead to changes in a woman's body and sexual drive. Menopausal and postmenopausal women may notice that they're not as easily aroused, and they may be less sensitive to touching and stroking, which can lead to less interest in sex. Also, lower levels of estrogen can cause a decrease in the blood supply to the vagina. This can affect vaginal lubrication, causing the vagina to be too dry for sex.

Fortunately, there are options to combat this. Lubricants, medications, and estrogen therapies are all proven to work. There are also sexual aids on the market that help with arousal.If you have the budget, CO2 fractional laser or radiofrequency (RF) therapies can give really good results by gently stimulating collagen production, boosting moisture levels, improving elasticity, and increasing blood flow to the vaginal walls.

You need to plan this in your budget because even though they are medical treatments, they are not covered by insurance. Make sure to shop because prices will vary (CO2 fractional laser can range from approximately $600 to $1 800 per session), and most women will need between 2 to 3 sessions the first year and one session a year for maintenance.

Also, in Canada, those treatments must be done under medical supervision (ideally by a gynecologist). In the US, it varies depending on the State. No matter what, medical supervision is always a smart move when it comes to your feminine health.

Consider therapy.

There are therapists who specialize in sexual dysfunction. They can see you either on an individual basis or with your partner. Support groups are organized by therapists that you can join in person or online. Also, keep in mind that seeing a therapist doesn’t have to be long term. They can simply give you the skills to better communicate with your partner and help strengthen your relationship moving forward.

Another kind of therapy to consider is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of therapy can help women change thoughts, feelings and behaviors that aren't healthy. It's been clinically shown to reduce how much menopause symptoms bother you.

Try different positions.

Menopause often includes not only vaginal dryness but also stiff joints. Your go-to sexual position might not work for you anymore.If you change the angle of your body or pelvis, it can make penetration easier and more enjoyable.

Strengthen your pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as “Kegel” exercises, can improve some forms of urinary incontinence a common side effect of menopause.

Exercise regularly.

Regular physical activity or exercise not only helps protect against heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other conditions associated with aging, but it also gets your endorphins running and helps clear your mind. And yes, exercise will improve your libido, especially cardio. But keep a good balance. Too much excessive and rigorous exercise will increase cortisol. Stress and libido don’t make a good match. Also consider an exercise that helps with stiffness, like yoga, Pilates, or water aerobics. These can loosen tight hip joints and make you more flexible.

In conclusion...don’t give up!

Just because you’re in menopause or perimenopause doesn’t mean your sex life is over. Don’t give up! With a little work and strategy, you can find your way back to a fulfilling sex life.

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Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.

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Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.