Menopause is a major event in a woman's life bringing many physical and emotional changes. Production of certain hormones is obviously affected and can have a major effect on a woman's libido. Whatever a woman's sex life was like before the event of menopause, there will definitely be a major difference, in most cases, after the event. While some women can bear the thought of having sex at this stage, others find the thought of having unprotected sex without the fear of getting pregnant, sexually liberating.
The main cause of changes in a woman's body after the onset of menopause is due to the decreased production of hormones relating to sexual activity. Progesterone is the hormone responsible for libido. Testosterone generates sexual desire and is responsible for lubrication. Oestrogen creates enhanced sensitivity of the erogenous zones, not just the vaginal area. The production of all these hormones decreases markedly during menopause, many times leaving a woman out of sync with her male partner.
Because of the decreased level of hormone production, many women find that they can take longer to become sexually aroused and also take longer to reach orgasm, if they can achieve this at all. Because of the thinning of the vaginal walls they may also experience some pain during intercourse and some minor bleeding. This thinning is the result of decreased Oestrogen.
There are other physical symptoms which a woman can experience during this time which lessen her overall desire to even have sex. Such things as insomnia, hot flushes and night sweats are not much of an aphrodisiac. A woman may also feel self conscious about other physical changes such as changes in the breasts, possible weight gain and incontinence.
The psychological aspects of menopause also play a large role. Many women going through menopause feel old and undesirable, which is enough to kill their libido totally. Some women have an even stronger reaction and cannot even stand to be touched, most likely a psychological reaction rather than physical. This can create obvious problems with partnered women who have to deal with a sexually frustrated partner. This can cause further issues involving guilt and depression, which just add to the situation.
On the other hand, some women seem to be able to relax and enjoy sex more after menopause. They no longer have to be concerned about becoming pregnant and even using any form of contraception. For some women the monthly cycle is like an emotional roller coaster and so when menopause arrives they feel relief that they can finally experience some emotional stability. This facto alone can result in them feeling better about themselves resulting in a better relationship and a better sex life.
If a woman is experiencing difficulty having sex after menopause, there are a number of things that she can try to help the situation. One is more extensive foreplay, perhaps involving massage using favourite scented massage oil, or even taking a bath or shower with their partner.
For some women full intercourse may be out of the question because of the pain involved. Other methods of sexual pleasuring can be employed. This may even spice up their sex life because they are forced to try new things. However, if at all possible regular intercourse should be attempted, perhaps with the aid of a lubricant, as this will actually improve muscle tone and aid with lubrication of the vagina. For this reason one should not avoid sexual intercourse entirely. Regular masturbation can also assist a woman to become aroused more easily and achieve orgasm.
A woman can also get help from her health care professional, possibly a naturopath or herbalist. They often would prescribe a hormone cream, such as natural progesterone cream to keep the vaginal area healthy.
Although the menopause can have a dramatic effect on a woman's sex life and life in general, it does not have to mark the end of her sex life. Although sex may change, there are many solutions available to having a fulfilling sex life both for a woman and her partner.
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