Don’t Let Menopause Affect Your Sex Life

Don’t Let Menopause Affect Your Sex Life

Many of the patients who see our experts at Advanced Women’s Healthcare are worried about how menopause may impact their sex lives. The first thing we want you to know is that it’s entirely possible, and healthy, to continue having an active sex life during and after menopause. You may need to figure out how to handle certain changes, but we can help.

The kinds of problems you may have

Several potential symptoms associated with menopause can affect your sex life. For example, if you’re waking up soaked with sweat in the middle of a hot flash, you probably don’t feel sexy. Similarly, you may feel more anxious or depressed than usual, and those kinds of feelings can make you less interested in sex.

It’s possible that you simply lack the desire to have sex, compared to your level of desire before menopause. Or, you may find sex is actually painful.

Why you should speak up

It can be difficult to talk about sex, even with your doctor. At Advanced Women’s Healthcare, we think that sexual health is part of your overall health, and we welcome your questions about sex. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

An active and healthy sex life can help you maintain a close relationship with your partner, and it can improve your overall health.

Tactics to improve libido

If waning desire seems to be your main problem, you can try several different approaches. You may find that analyzing how you define libido and desire is a good first step.

Considering when you feel arousal may be helpful. You may find that the time of day makes a bigger difference than you imagined!

Other approaches include physical therapy, focusing more on foreplay and less on intercourse, or incorporating toys such as vibrators may help, as well.

Treatments for when sex hurts

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom associated with menopause. Water-based lubricants may be enough to help, or you may want to discuss with your doctor if a vaginal moisturizer or a cream that contains estrogen may be helpful.

It’s important that whatever treatment you use is recommended by your care provider because of your personal health matters. If your pain is because of dryness, the treatment is likely to be pretty straightforward.

But, sometimes the tissue in your vagina becomes thinner and more fragile. In that case, medication may be the right approach. Also, some women can safely take estrogen therapy to help ease their symptoms, but it can pose a risk for others.

If you’re experiencing problems in your sex life, the first step is to make sure you don’t have a physical problem. Be sure you keep your annual well-woman exams and get any screenings your doctor recommends.

Menopause can raise many questions. Schedule your appointment at Advanced Women’s Care today to get answers.