Menopause doesn’t signal the end of sexual intimacy and satisfaction. In fact, it may just be a time of rejuvenation. This is a period of life in which women no longer have worries about pregnancy and adult children require less time and attention. Women who have struggled with difficult menstruation cycles finally have relief. The aging process doesn’t diminish the need for or the ability to have satisfying sexual relationships in men or women. Studies have shown that 70 to 80 percent of women do not experience a decrease in their sexual satisfaction or activity following menopause.
There are physical changes that occur in women’s health during and after menopause. There are ways to cope with these changes, however. About 20 percent of women experience vaginal dryness. This can be combated with over-the-counter water-based lubricants. Petroleum-based lubricants should be avoided because they can lead to vaginal infections. Some women may also experience itching or burning during intercourse due to the thinning and decreased flexibility of vaginal walls. Lubricants are also effective in dealing with these issues. There are also vaginal moisturizers available. It’s recommended that women avoid perfumed bath products, douches, and other agents that contribute to dryness.
Some women may find that more stimulation is required to achieve orgasm following menopause. Orgasms may not be as frequent or intense. Regular intercourse or even masturbation maintains sexual responsiveness. Kegal exercises maintain and strengthen the vaginal muscles. The exercises involve tightening your pelvic floor muscles which support your uterus, bowel, and bladder. These exercises not only strengthen vaginal muscles but also reduce risks of urinary incontinence.
There are some women who report a decrease in sexual desire following menopause, but this can be attributed to several factors not related to menopause. Certain medications such as tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-hypertensives can all effect feelings toward sex. Diseases common in older individuals such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis can also alter sexual desire. If you aren’t feeling well, sex isn’t always appealing. A woman’s self-image is an extremely important element of sexual desire. Many womens’ perceptions of their own sexual desirability is related to their sexual desire. This idea seems to be supported by researchers in Minnesota who surveyed more than 3,600 women and found that women who are more satisfied with their bodies are not only more likely to initiate sex, they also have more sex. High levels of stress can be detrimental to an individual’s sex drive as well. Many women have a belief that a loss of interest in sex is a natural part of menopause. These women are more likely, according to scientists, to experience exactly this phenomenon.
Sexual intimacy after menopause can actually open up opportunities to explore new sexual experiences. There are many ways, after all, to express sensuality in a relationship. Massage, hugging, stroking, oral sex, and manual stimulation are all options for finding pleasure with your partner. As men grow older, they typically require more stimulation before intercourse as well. This can lead to more foreplay which is appealing to many women. Embrace this time in your life. You may find more intimacy with your partner than you’ve ever had.
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