You'll know if you're in the throes on menopause that you'll experience a whole rollercoaster of physical and emotional symptoms. But chatting to friends and clients, one that crops up time and time again is a loss of sexual desire. In this blog post, I'll look at the impact of menopause on our sex lives and explore ways to address it.
Menopause and Sex: What Happens?
During menopause our bodies undergo a significant hormonal shift. Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels decrease and because of this we often experience changes in sexual function. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Decreased libido: A decline in sexual desire during menopause, caused by hormonal changes as well as other factors such as stress, depression or relationship issues.
Vaginal dryness: The decrease in oestrogen levels can cause the tissues of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic and sex may become uncomfortable and less enjoyable. In addition, the tissues of the vulva become less sensitive.
Addressing Menopause-Related Sexual Issues
If you're experiencing sexual issues related to menopause, there are several strategies you can try to help improve your sex life. These include:
Communication is key: Talking openly with your partner can help you both understand each other's needs and desires. You may find this a difficult subject to broach, so schedule in some time for a heart to heart chat.
Use lubricants: Vaginal dryness can be addressed with the use of water-based or silicone-based lubricants. These can help to reduce discomfort during intercourse and make sex more enjoyable.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: HRT can be effective in reducing symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness and decreased libido. It may not be suitable for you, so find a sympathetic doctor to discuss the risks and benefits. You can read more about my experience with TRT in my blog post here.
Practice self-care: Reducing stress, staying physically active and eating a healthy diet can all help improve your overall well-being. Feeling fit and healthy - and enjoying your body - might be the sex boost you need!
Talk to your GP or menopause specialist: If you're experiencing significant sexual issues related to menopause, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you identify potential underlying causes and recommend treatments or strategies to help address them.
You can read about the benefits of sex in your 50s and 60s in my blog here.
Votiva Might Just Be The Answer
Far too many women suffer in silence when it comes to their intimate health during menopause. We are one of the very few clinics to offer the doctor-led Votiva treatment. This world-leading technology improves feminine wellbeing for a better quality of life, tackling a range of vaginal issues without the need for painful surgery, needles or downtime.
It harnesses the latest radiofrequency technology, to force the body to produce healthy collagen which increases blood flow for a more youthful feel, appearance and function of the vagina and labia.
Please note, this is an intimate treatment that uses a specially designed handpiece internally and is carried out Dr Julia Sen. It's totally pain-free and no downtime or post-care is required, and you’ll be able to return to normal daily activities straight away. Find out more here.
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