Menopause may be the final phase in a woman's reproductive cycle, but it's the beginning of a whole new chapter in her life. A giant myth surrounding this life stage is that menopause means the end of sex. The reality is that your sex life postmenopause will be much like your sex life premenopause: It's entirely what you make of it.
Naturally, there are some challenges to overcome and changes to get used to. The first step is to educate yourself about what to expect as you approach and pass through this phase. Physically, tissue changes may decrease genital sensation and lubrication, and your hormones can cause dramatic fluctuations in temperature (hot flashes). Emotionally, you may notice mood and energy changes that may negatively affect your libido.
Menopause is a term given to the period of cessation of women’s monthly periods. The duration of menopause can last for one to two year at a stretch. The age of natural menopause ranges from 40 to 61 years, though the median age is considerably earlier i.e. 44 years.
Menopause is considered to be a difficult time as it brings various health issues with it. Changes in sex drive, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, memory loss, weight gain, mood swings and hot flashes are some of the common symptoms of menopause. The changes in sex drive and the general distress due to the other symptoms adversely affects the sex life after menopause.
Sex Life after Menopause
According to a recent study conducted in UK, the post menopausal women have better sex ife than they had before menopause. Results of this study indicate that 65% of women reported to have happier sex life since they need not worry about the unplanned pregnancies.
Women often have misconception and worries pertaining to their sex life after menopause. They are afraid that their partner may no longer be sexually interested in her. Such fears stem from the fact that after menopause one tends to lose their libido. Factors effecting sex life after menopause:
Emotional well-being of women- Emotional state of women is an important influencing factor in post-menopause sex life. If a woman is constantly worried about looks of her body, the state of mind can have negative influence on her sex drive. During menopause women experience mood swings but post menopause majority of women report to have more fun in their daily activities. Almost all the women report to be experiencing greater sense of independence. If you are facing emotional distress even after the menopause period then it is advisable to take medical assisstance in postmenopause phase as well.
Physical well-being of women- It is only small percentage of women that report to have reduced sexual drive due to physical changes during menopause. For instance, vaginal dryness can make sex an uncomfortable experience. This is so because lower estrogen level decreases blood supply to vagina causing low vaginal lubrication. The physical health concerns can also significantly hamper the sexual desire of women. Lowered levels of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are one of the reasons of decreased sexual drive (libido).Menopause may be the final phase in a woman's reproductive cycle, but it's the beginning of a whole new chapter in her life. A giant myth surrounding this life stage is that menopause means the end of sex. The reality is that your sex life postmenopause will be much like your sex life premenopause: It's entirely what you make of it.
Naturally, there are some challenges to overcome and changes to get used to. The first step is to educate yourself about what to expect as you approach and pass through this phase. Physically, tissue changes may decrease genital sensation and lubrication, and your hormones can cause dramatic fluctuations in temperature (hot flashes). Emotionally, you may notice mood and energy changes that may negatively affect your libido.
Better Sex after Menopause: Tips and Tricks to Improve your sex life.
There are a lot of myths floating around about how your sex life will be affected after menopause. Before you start to worry about not having sex for the rest of your life, do a little bit of research because, in reality, it’s not going to be all that bad. In fact, only about 20-30% of women experience a decrease in sexual activity.
Tip 1: Get your head in the game.
As a society, we think that sex is only for the young and fertile making it hard to accept your own aging sexuality. Most people have their first sexual encounter as a teenager or young adult, and that first impression stays with us as we age and become more mature. However, the time after menopause can be a time to experiment and try new things without having to worry about the pregnancy factor. Also, stress can have a big impact on your sex drive. Take more relaxation time to deal with the stress in a healthy way.
Tip 2: Hit the gym
Well maybe not literally, but it may be a good idea to work out those muscles on a regular basis. You can strengthen your vagina through Kegel exercises, which will allow you to experience stronger orgasms, sometimes better than when you were at a younger age. To do this, tighten your pelvic muscles like you had to use the bathroom, count to ten, release and repeat. Do this ten times, four times a day.
Tip 3: Break out the lube
If you are in the 20% of women who experience vaginal dryness, try some different type of lubrication or moisturizing. Water-based lubrications like KY-Jelly and Astroglide are good for use during intercourse. Avoid Vaseline and other products that are not water-soluble because this may cause vaginal infections. Creams and moisturizers can provide relief, but unlike lubricants, these work directly on the vaginal tissue.
Tip 4: Get with the hormones
A big reason that your sex drive may have diminished is due to that fact that your hormone levels are declining. There are a few ways to combat this, whether it be HRT, or a natural supplement like Feminestra. Being that this is a Feminestra blog, I will recommend it, but you should consult your doctor on the best treatment option for you.
Tip 5: Check the medicine cabinet
In today’s society it’s not uncommon to be on one or more prescription medications. However, the side effects of these meds can be affecting your sex life. Things like painkillers and antidepressants are some of the worst offenders. Talk to your doctor or physician to find out which medications or medication combinations could be affecting your libido.
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