Time waits for no one and nothing, which means 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. You might even be experiencing the early symptoms and wondering how it will affect your life and sex life from here on out! Fortunately, we can guide you and assure you that sex after menopause can still be great, even if it's a little different from what you're used to.
**Don't Let Menopause Symptoms Interfere with Your Sex Life**
The list of possible side effects accompanying menopause is extensive and includes symptoms such as 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 when entering menopause, while others may be due to low vaginal blood flow and decreased tissue thickness. When your vagina is dry, sensitive tissues can tear more easily, making you more susceptible to infections and other urinary symptoms.
Many women have chosen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopause symptoms, not just those related to sexual function. However, while estrogen and even testosterone supplements can benefit libido, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, they do not come without risks. Specifically, using estrogen-only HRT for ten years or more can 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 lubricant, which only provides enough moisture for a session, these moisturizers rehydrate tissues to offer longer-lasting relief from menopause symptoms. However, you can certainly combine moisturizers with your favorite lubricant!
Vaginal moisturizers are usually topical and come in the form of creams, pearls, 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 might enjoy the sensation of a warm or cold moisturizer!
Finally, arousal supplements can also help get your sex life back to normal after menopause. Contact us if you want product suggestions that can help you have better sex during menopause.
**STIs Have No Age Limit**
Although many sex tips for menopausal women assume you'll automatically have decreased sexual desire, this isn't 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 liberated than ever. However, this doesn't mean sex after menopause is risk-free. You can still contract STIs, and vaginal dryness can increase your chances.
Therefore, use condoms or dental dams when appropriate and get STI screenings routinely. Doing so gives you peace of mind to truly enjoy all the sex you're having!
**Think Outside the 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 feel incredible for clitoral play. Of course, vibrators can also make for a fantastic session. Maybe it's time to treat yourself to a new toy or buy your first one if you haven't tried them yet! Bullets, eggs, and lipstick-like vibes are compact and discreet, but if you're a power queen, you might love a magic wand vibrator like the reliable Magic Wand Original.
Additionally, toys like strokers and masturbators offer a solution for partners who still enjoy penetration. After all, sex isn't just about one person's pleasure. Handjobs and oral sex are also great options for those who find penetration too difficult or uncomfortable due to menopause.
However, you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself. Chances are your partner is experiencing some changes of their own. Their sex drive or erections may not be what they once were. Thinking outside the box reduces pressure on everyone! If you're willing to experiment, you'll find many activities count as sex, each providing intense sensations and intimacy. That's how you have great sex after menopause!
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