Menopause and sexuality

Menopause marks the turning point in a woman’s life and all over the world there is a common belief that it also marks the end of a woman’s sex life. This is a misconception, actually post menopause could in fact be the golden years of a woman’s sex life.
However, there can be a marked decline in her sexual activity. And the reason for this is but obvious, due to reduction in oestrogen and progesterone, the vagina walls become thinner and lose their elasticity.
As a consequence a woman feels discomfort during intercourse. There can be irritation and predisposition to infection too, that may cause aversion to sex.

Solutions to this problem include:
Lubrication: The single best way to make sex more comfortable after menopause is the use of personal lubricants during sex.
Replacing the body's natural lubrication can make sex as exciting and rewarding as it was before. Your sexual organs are still sexually sensitive and will remain so through out your life.

Positive Thinking: Thinking positively about menopause is also important since it is the most meaningful time in a woman’s life that has some significant benefits.
Pregnancy is no longer possible and many women feel that this decreases their level of anxiety during sex. They find themselves more relaxed, so they enjoy the experience more.
Abstaining from sex during menstruation are no longer issues in a woman's life. As a result many women find menopause to be quite a relief. The shrinkage in the size of the vagina may mean that more direct stimulation takes place.
Lastly, a smaller vagina means more friction and closer contact with the nerves that produce sexual pleasure. Ageing can create a new range of sensations as long as couples learn how to adapt.

Hormone Treatments: Hormone replacement therapy is a way some women deal with menopausal side effects. This may or may not be an option for you. Ask your physician for the facts on this treatment possibility.

Most of all remember that the menopause does not have to be the end of your sexual life but a new beginning!