3 minutes read3 minutes readDuring menopause, many bodily changes occur due to a decrease in oestrogen. These changes can make it difficult to have the same sex life you once did when you were younger. However, just because it isn’t the same doesn’t mean sex is no longer good. In fact, about 70% of 70-year-olds are still sexually active.
Menopause can cause a significant change in the sex lives of both partners, but by understanding the effects of menopause, you can be better prepared to make it a pleasurable experience for both of you. Here is what you can expect when having sex after menopause.
Lower Sex Drive
If you and your partner are not having as much sex as you used to, there is no need to worry. It is perfectly natural for women to have a lower libido as they age since there is less estrogen coursing through the body.
With less oestrogen, it can be more difficult to get aroused, and having trouble with climaxing makes it less enticing to have sexual intercourse. Both men and women tend to have a lower sex drive as they age. Not only is this due to hormones, but it can also be caused by physical issues such as body pain or low energy.
Stress, Anxiety, Irritation
Changing hormones can also cause stress and anxiety in daily life. When you experience feelings of stress and anxiety, it can be difficult to get in the mood for sex. Easing stress through different stress management tactics can help you feel more relaxed during sex.
Vaginal Dryness
A common symptom of menopause is vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness s a result of declining oestrogen levels. The vaginal tissues start to get thin, and your vagina may start to feel itchy, irritated, and dry. Vaginal dryness can also cause discomfort during sexual intercourse, making it a less pleasurable experience for both partners.
Vaginal dryness can be combatted with vaginal lubricants or vaginal moisturizers. Ironically, vaginal stimulation and sexual activity can also help vaginal dryness.
Communicate With Your Partner
Whether you or your partner is experiencing menopause, it is important to maintain open communication. Discussing your feelings can be challenging, especially when the topic is your sex life, but it is necessary to have a positive relationship.
Take the time to communicate any expectations, fears, or worries, and be patient with one another. Growing older is inevitable, so it is important to support each other in the best way possible.
Safe Sex
Although you may no longer be able to get pregnant after menopause, it is still very important to practice safe sex. In fact, after menopause, your body will have less estrogen, meaning the vaginal walls will be more susceptible to tearing or damage. This makes you more likely to contract an STI after menopause. Safe sex will prevent contracting STIs such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, etc.
An integral part of practising safe sex is regularly testing for STIs. Whether you are newly single or in a long-term relationship, regular STI testing will give you peace of mind. At Better2Know, you can get a complete STI test and be proactive about monitoring your sexual health.
Better2Know also has menopause testing, which can help determine if you are in menopause or perimenopause. With this test, you can determine if your symptoms are part of menopause. That way, you can be more prepared to deal with other possible symptoms.
If you have any questions or want to take an STI or menopause test, contact us today!
