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Barbara Santini
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Katie Lasson
Sex and Relationship Adviser

All seems lost when it comes to your sex life after menopause. This can be a result of the symptoms that come with menopause. Learn how to overcome the main issues during menopause, including lack of arousal, decreased estrogen levels, and symptoms of menopause, to enjoy better sex.

With as many warnings about sex after menopause as there are about virginity, it's easy to avoid sex. Learning to understand the changes that take place after menopause is important. It is important to deal with the discomfort of sex after you've gone through these changes. The only upside about menopause is that you don't have to worry about getting pregnant. However, sex after menopause can sometimes be risky. You can still contract STIs and other infections. Many women wonder whether they still have the desire for sex after menopause. When women get to menopause, the desire won't be as neigh as before. This is due to a decrease in estrogen, loss of libido, and the symptoms of menopause. These effects make sex after menopause dreadful. This article will enlighten you on how to overcome these challenges and enjoy mind-blowing sex, even after menopause.

Decrease in Estrogen

 Avis et al. (2000) noted that menopausal women struggle with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. At this stage, women produce low levels of estrogen. This means that the vagina will not lubricate as it used before. Vaginal atrophy may also come about due to a lack of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This makes sex painful and can also lead to urinary symptoms. As a result, sex after menopause will be uncomfortable and painful. However, a lack of wetness does not mean that you can't be aroused.

So how exactly do you deal with this? Lube is the easiest solution. You can get lube at the local pharmacy or shop online. Alternatively, you can consult a doctor and ask for medicine. According to Minkin et al. (2013), some creams and pills help administer estrogen in the vagina. Discuss your condition with your partner for mental support as you learn to cope with the symptoms of menopause. 

Lack of Arousal

 Low libido, otherwise known as sex drive, is a common problem that affects women when they reach menopause. Men don't go through menopause, so most have little knowledge of what is going on in their partner's bodies. However, having a supportive and understanding partner can help a woman cope with this sad reality. Menopause symptoms can exert pressure on a woman's relationship. At this stage, a woman may not be in the mood for sex, and even when she desires sex, she can fail to get aroused due to menopause. 

So, how well can you overcome this? Most of the time, this will fall on your man's shoulders. However, in this case, you have to contribute too. You need not blame yourself for the changes going through your body. Also, you have to boost your self-esteem, which will boost your sex life. Be positive about menopause and embrace the positive side of menopause. You should also seek therapy from a professional, and it is better if you can attend with your partner.

Symptoms of Menopause 

Menopause comes with unpleasant symptoms. Grady, D. (2006) noted that one might experience fatigue, night sweats, osteoporosis, hot flashes, or sweating. One may also have irregular menstrual cycles or an absence of the menstrual as she approaches menopause. Insomnia or lack of sleep is also another symptom of menopause. Other common symptoms of menopause are anxiety, dry skin, irritability, and low libido moodiness. The worst symptom is vaginal dryness which causes pain during sex. A combination of these symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.

 Only treatment can deal with these symptoms. Hill et al. (2016) suggested that hormone therapy, which is all about estrogen therapy, is an effective treatment for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen, administered to the vagina using a ring, tablet, or vaginal cream, can relieve vaginal dryness. Low-dose antidepressants for hot flashes may be useful for a woman with a mood disorder. Medications to treat osteoporosis are also recommended by doctors. Consider eating healthy during this stage to relieve some of the negative symptoms.

Conclusion

If you learn to overcome the symptoms highlighted in this article, you can save your sex life. Sex after menopause is still attainable. You will have to see a doctor to address these symptoms and enjoy great sex during menopause. Before deciding on any form of treatment, discuss the options available and the risks and side effects of each medication with your doctor. Review your options each year and see what works for you. One of the upsides of menopause is that you are no longer worried about getting pregnant. However, keep in mind that sex after menopause is still risky. It is not that you are immune to the common STDs and other infections, so stay safe.

References

Avis, N. E., Stellato, R., Crawford, S., Johannes, C., & Longcope, C. (2000). Is There An 

Association Between Menopause Status And Sexual Functioning?. MENOPAUSE-NEW YORK-, 7(5), 297-309.

Grady, D. (2006). Management Of Menopausal Symptoms. New England Journal Of 

Medicine, 355(22), 2338-2347.

Hill, D. A., Crider, M., & Hill, S. R. (2016). Hormone Therapy And Other Treatments For 

Symptoms Of Menopause. American Family Physician, 94(11), 884-889.

Minkin, M. J., Maamari, R., & Reiter, S. (2013). Improved Compliance And Patient 

Satisfaction With Estradiol Vaginal Tablets In Postmenopausal Women Previously Treated With Another Local Estrogen Therapy. International Journal Of Women's Health, 5, 133.