Menopause introduces a woman to the freedom from monthly periods. Some women see this condition as a stage when they have sex without the fear of getting pregnant.
However, it is crucial to state that when a woman gets into menopause, she loses estrogen and testosterone, which may lead to changes in her body and sexual drive. They become less sensitive to touch, stroking, etc.
As important as this stage is, many women stumble into it misinformed about sex.
Here are critical things a woman must know about sex and menopause:
- Menopause began when a woman in her fifties did not see her period for twelve(12) months. During this period, her oestrogen and testosterone level begins to reduce. The blood vessels and tissues in the vulva and vagina are affected when this happens. They begin to change. A woman may notice that her vagina and vulva tissues become thinner, drier, and lose moisture or elasticity.
- Sex during menopause may become painful because of the changes in the vagina. This is because thinner tissues receive less lubrication and cause friction during intercourse.
- Women in this stage experience bleeding and burning sensations during sexual intercourse. They also find it difficult to stay aroused or excited during sex.
- Sex during menopause can also cause frequent urinary tract infections. When the vagina is torn due to friction during intercourse, the vagina becomes exposed to diseases.
- Sex also affects a woman’s emotions when they start menopause, directly impacting her sleep and mood. She may begin to experience depression, tiredness, and unusual anxiety.
- Some women also experience menopause symptoms which can include: night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, and skin sensations like prickling and itching.
- The changes a woman in menopause experiences can make her avoid physical touch. She may get irritated when her partner is trying to arouse her.
- There will be no fear of pregnancy. As a result, some women in it can be more relaxed during sex. They may also have renewed sexual interest, and intercourse will be a way of bonding with their partners.
- Women will need to sit with their partners to discuss the positive and negative effects of menopause. They would need to look for how to plan slow and lingering intercourse to prevent pain.
On a final note, menopause shouldn’t stop a woman from enjoying sex; all she needs to do is understand her body and communicate with her partner. Some physicians recommend lubricants that can help keep the vagina moisturised.
You can speak with one HERE.