When a woman goes through menopause, her sexuality can change in a number of ways, such as difficulty reaching orgasm and/or less intense orgasms. Even though this change can be hard, there are ways to keep your sexual life exciting, fun, and satisfying. This includes sex toys, lube, and (for some people) hormone therapy. Here’s what you need to know about sex and orgasms and menopause.
How Menopause Effects Sex and Orgasms
As estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, the balance of your hormones changes in a big way.
Hormonal Changes
The body’s production of estrogen and progesterone decreases during menopause, which can cause changes in vaginal tissue and reduced blood flow to the genitals. As a result, arousal may be reduced and orgasm may be difficult to achieve.
Vaginal Dryness
A decrease in estrogen production can cause vaginal dryness, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful, affecting a woman’s ability to achieve orgasm.
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Mood
Menopause can also cause emotional changes such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which can impact a woman’s sex drive and ability to have an orgasm.
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Low Libido
Your body may not react as strongly to sexual excitement. Prior to menopause, arousal typically increases the blood flow to your vagina and clitoris. Research has shown, though, that this response tends to be less strong after menopause. This drop in blood flow could make your genitals feel less aroused, drier, and less sensitive to touch.
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Codeage Collagen
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Ina Labs
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Weak Pelvic Floor
After menopause, your pelvic floor muscles may get weaker. This group of muscles is very important for sex because it supports your bladder, bowels, and uterus. It usually gets smaller during orgasm, which is an important part of orgasm for many women. If your pelvic floor contractions get weaker, it could make your orgasms feel less intense. Research shows that problems with sex and orgasm after menopause are linked to weak pelvic floor muscles.
Life Changes
Menopause can also be a time of major life changes, such as retirement, children leaving the nest, or caring for aging parents. These changes can have an impact on a woman’s overall well-being as well as interest in sex.
What to do
There are several approaches that can be taken to address these issues and increase the likelihood of having an orgasm during menopause:
Lube
A silicone-based lube of good quality can change the way you feel sexually. If you’re used to making your own natural lubricant, you might be surprised at how much it helps. So use a lot and put it on again if you need to. You could also try an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer that doesn’t contain hormones. As a maintenance therapy, you can use a moisturizer twice or three times a week to keep your vaginal area moist.
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Get a Vibrator
Vibrators are also important because nerve signals to the clitoris slow down during and after menopause. Which means women often need stronger stimulation to get an orgasm. There are many vibrators, massagers, and other devices that can help you get your sexual pleasure back (and maybe discover some new kinds). Sex toys can be a big part of pleasure, arousal, and orgasm, whether you use them alone or with a partner.
Try Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises, also called “Kegels,” are a safe and easy way to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor. And as we talked about above, if your pelvic floor is stronger, you might have stronger orgasms. A few small studies have shown that Kegels help menopausal women have better sex. Research also shows that Kegels may help with urinary incontinence, which is common during menopause.
Communicate!
It is important to note that sexual attraction can fluctuate over time and that it is normal for couples to experience ups and downs in their sex lives. Be honest and open with your partner about how you are feeling. Communication is key to a healthy and successful sexual relationship. Discuss your concerns and try to work together to find a solution.
Think about Hormone Treatment
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Hormone therapy can help relieve menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and decreased libido. Research has shown that this treatment makes lubrication and orgasm better, decreases pain, and makes sexual life better overall after menopause.
Hormone Happy
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Changes in your sex life can be hard during menopause. But it can also be a chance to try out different kinds of pleasure, learn more about your body, and find new ways to be intimate sexually. If you’re having trouble with sex or orgasm during menopause, talk to your doctor and think about some of the tips above.
