Time doesn't stand still for anyone or anything, which means that menopause is a fact of life for about half of the population. You're probably not looking forward to menopause if you've heard some of the horror stories about it. Maybe you're even experiencing the first symptoms and wondering how it will affect your life and sex life from here on out! Luckily, we can guide you and make sure that sex after menopause can still be great, even if it's a little different than what you're used to.
Don't let menopause symptoms interfere with your sex life
The list of potential side effects that accompany menopause is extensive and includes symptoms like decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and painful sex, making it difficult to have good sex or even desire it. Most of these symptoms stem from the drop in estrogen your body experiences as you enter menopause, while others may be due to low vaginal blood flow and decreased tissue thickness. When your vagina is dry, the sensitive tissues can develop tears more easily, making you more susceptible to infections and other urinary symptoms .
Many women have chosen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve symptoms of menopause and not just those related to sexual functioning. However, while estrogen and even testosterone supplements may benefit libido, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, they are not without risks. Specifically, using estrogen-only HRT for ten years or more may increase your risk of breast cancer , even for several years after you stop HRT.
Additionally, hormone therapy is not recommended for people with a history of blood clots, heart attacks, cancer, strokes, bleeding disorders, or liver problems. If safety is a concern, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Alternatives to hormones
If you want to avoid hormones, vaginal moisturizers are one of your best options for enjoying sex during and after menopause. Unlike lube, which really only provides enough moisture for one session, these moisturizers rehydrate the tissues to offer longer-lasting relief from menopausal symptoms. However, you can certainly combine moisturizers with your favorite lube!
Vaginal moisturizers are usually topical and come in the form of creams, beads, oils, or suppositories (capsules) that are inserted into the vagina. Some moisturizers work for up to three days; however, some require daily application. Fortunately, you can easily find over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers to find one that works well for you.
Pro tip: Experiment with the temperature before application. You may enjoy the feeling of a warm or cold moisturizer!
Finally, arousal supplements can also help get your sex life back on track after menopause. Contact us if you would like suggestions for products that can help you have better sex during menopause.
STIs have no age limit
Although a lot of sex advice for women going through menopause assumes that you'll automatically have a decreased sex drive, that's not always the case. For some people, the symptoms aren't even particularly distressing! In fact, not having to worry about pregnancy helps some people feel more sexually free than ever. However, this doesn't mean that sex after menopause is risk-free. You can still get STIs, and vaginal dryness can increase your chances.
So, use condoms or dental dams when appropriate and get routinely screened for STIs. Doing so gives you peace of mind to truly enjoy all the sex you're having!
Think outside your box
For most people, sex means intercourse, also known as vaginal penetration. You have every right to enjoy penetrative sex after menopause, but it's certainly not the only way to experience intimacy and pleasure. Remember that many women need or prefer clitoral stimulation to orgasm, which you can easily achieve without penetration!
Fingers, tongues, pillows, or even a well-placed thigh all feel amazing for clitoral play. Of course, vibrators can make for a fantastic session too. Maybe it's time to reward yourself with a new toy or buy your first one if you haven't tried them yet! Bullets, eggs, and similar lipstick vibes are compact and discreet, but if you're a power queen, you might love a magic wand vibrator like the trusty Magic Wand Original.
Additionally, toys like fondling and masturbators offer a solution for couples who still enjoy penetration. After all, sex isn't about the pleasure of just one person. Handjobs and oral sex are also great options for those who find penetration too difficult or uncomfortable due to menopause.
You don't want to put too much pressure on yourself, though. Chances are, your partner is going through some changes of his or her own. His or her sex drive or erections may not be what they once were. Thinking outside the box takes the pressure off everyone! If you're willing to experiment, you'll find that many activities count as sex, each providing intense sensations and intimacy. Here's how to have great sex after menopause!