Sex after menopause may not be the same as it was in the twenties and thirties. This change happens because of a drop in the production of estrogen hormones, which makes the vagina dry and less elastic. Although some women still enjoy sex after menopause, the majority of them report a lack of sexual desire because they don’t get aroused easily and are less sensitive to touches.
You are not alone if you experience a similar problem. The condition is prevalent, but there are practical solutions to improving the experience and enjoying sex as before. However, you may talk to your doctor for an examination to ensure you don’t have an underlying infection.
Here are the top five ways to make sex pleasurable after menopause.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the natural decline of a woman’s reproductive hormones, known as estrogen. This phase starts at age 40 and can extend up to 55. During this period, menstruation stops, and the woman’s fertility declines or ends. Many women in this phase experience low sexual desire, emotional changes, and physical body changes like weight gain.
Experiencing uncomfortable sex or a low sexual desire isn’t easy for a sexually active woman. However, it’s possible to boost one’s sexual health and enjoy sex after menopause with a few tips. These tips may include seeking a doctor’s help, topical medication, and pelvic floor exercises.
Top Ways To Improve Sex After Menopause
Consider the practices below to make sex comfortable after menopause.
1. Communicate The Problem
The first step to take when you experience a sexual issue is to talk about it. If stressed out, you can share the problem with your partner and a therapist. Sharing your concerns with your partner makes them aware that you are going through something so they can handle and understand you carefully. It brings mutual understanding and eliminates their worry that you are no longer interested in getting intimate with them.
Talking to a therapist is essential if you are stressed out or going through something in your relationship. The therapist can assess the condition and offer helpful insights into what you may do to increase your sex desire and enjoy sex.
2. Use Topical Treatments
Topical treatments increase moisture and lubrication in the vagina to reduce the discomfort caused by penetration. If you experience vaginal dryness, you can buy moisturizers and lubricants to help solve the problem.
Moisturizers increase moisture in the vaginal tissues. They come in many types, but you may get a recommendation from a doctor on the best one if you have sensitive skin. When you get a moisturizer, apply it at least once weekly after bathing.
Lubricants increase wetness in the vaginal area before sex. They relieve the vaginal dryness and enhance lubrication, making sex more comfortable. There are many types of vaginal lubricants, but they can be broadly classified as water-based and silicon-based. Both options are great, and you may need to try several to pick what suits you best.
Consider the ingredients of your moisturizer or lubricant to ensure no chemicals could irritate your skin. Also, check customer reviews to ensure you are buying a high-quality product.
3. Spend More Time In Foreplay
Foreplay prepares your body well for penetrative sex, and you may embrace it if you suffer from vaginal dryness. During foreplay, your body releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, which increase your sexual mood.
Also, foreplay prepares your mind for the act, helping get rid of stress, anxiety, or any fears you may have that prevent you from having good sex. After a few minutes of foreplay, your body muscles should relax well, and you may experience more wetness, which reduces the discomfort during sex.
So, talk to your partner about foreplay and tell them what you want them to do for you. Would you like a kiss, caressing, a hug, or clitoris stimulation? Spend time on it to fully prepare your body and mind for a great experience.
4. Try Yoga And Pelvic Floor Exercise
Yoga and pelvic floor exercises are great sex enhancers. Yoga, for instance, helps lower anxiety and any toxins that prevent you from having a satisfying sexual experience. It increases the flow of blood to the genital, releases the vaginal muscles, and prepares your body for sex. Many people who enroll in yoga to improve their sex life report positive results.
On the other hand, pelvic floor exercises help strengthen the pelvic muscles and help you achieve optimum orgasm. If you have never done pelvic floor exercises, find an excellent trainer to take you through the journey and help you achieve your desired sexual results.
5. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
A few lifestyle changes can help improve your libido in menopause. Here are some of them:
- Take a nutritious diet and eat plenty of foods that increase libido
- Avoid products that irritate your vagina, such as scented soaps and perfumes.
- Get enough sleep to regulate your body’s hormones, increase energy levels, and improve your body’s general mood.
- Try mindful activities like meditation when you are depressed
- Have more sex to improve the flow of blood to your vagina. Don’t be afraid to try new positions
- Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
Conclusion
Making sex comfortable after menopause takes a combination of efforts. Communicate the problem, talk to a doctor, take more time in foreplay, and embrace the other tips in this guide. The results may not be instant, but with time, you may start to like sex again.
Nevertheless, seeking a healthcare practitioner should be a priority because uncomfortable sex may not be caused by menopause alone. There could be other conditions which need attention as well. Seek help as soon as you notice the problem for a quicker remedy.
