A Guide to Sex and the Menopause

Going through the menopause can have a huge effect on your life. Your body is going through some major changes and it comes with an array of physical and mental effects. In addition to the common symptoms of hot flushes and mood swings, sustaining intimacy may become increasingly difficult.

Some of the common changes that can affect intimacy include

• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Changes due to medication
• Stress and anxiety

There has been a lot of research into the menopause and how it affects women. This has resulted in a number of treatments and aids being created to allow you to overcome the obstacles getting in the way of intimacy.

Tackle Vaginal Dryness

There are a number of products available to help tackle vaginal dryness. Intimate moisturisers can be applied a few times a week to help with the everyday tight itchiness that can be a result of vaginal dryness, and high-quality lubricants help with vaginal dryness during intercourse. However, it’s important to remember not to use any moisturisers that aren’t specially formulated for intimate use, as these can irritate you further.

Tackle Low Libido

Low libido can come as a result of tiredness, stress, anxiety, and even hormones. The good news is, it’s one of the easiest parts of menopause to tackle. There are hundreds of tips and products on the market to make arousal easier for you. From food supplements, pills, oils, and gels to simply setting a good self-care routine and getting the rest you need can make all the difference.

Tackle Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort are often a result of vaginal dryness, as mentioned earlier in this article. It can also be a result of a lack of elasticity, hormones, and many other things. The best way to tackle pain and discomfort during sex is to have great communication with your partner. Taking things slowly, talking things through, and ensuring you and your partner have used foreplay and lots of lube can help ease your body into things while setting the mood. It could be the perfect time to introduce toys into the bedroom to aid you in preparing for penetration.

Tackle Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be a libido killer for anyone. Going through the menopause can be a very stressful time for some women, and they can feel as though they have lost sight of themselves. Their anxiety may peak as a result of the changes both hormonally and physically. It’s a crucial time in your life to make sure you are giving yourself the love and attention you deserve. Taking the time out to look after yourself, and having a self-care routine will help to ensure you remember who you are and the things you enjoy. If you are planning on having an intimate night with your partner, take a luxurious hot bath, then have your partner give you a massage to unwind and relax your mind. Having some you time, then having your partner get close and intimate with you in a calm setting often aids your libido and you’ll end up wanting their hands all over more than just your back.

Tackle Changes due to Medication

Tackling changes due to medication can be a very personal matter. Medication can affect people in very different ways. Some people will have very mild side effects that can be managed with store-bought lotions and potions, but others may have side effects that are much harder to handle such as irregular bleeding, nausea and sickness, headaches, and many more. If you feel as though your medication is affecting your intimacy with your partner, and you are unable to manage your symptoms with over-the-counter products, we strongly recommend you contact your GP. There are often alternative options available and your doctor can advise you on which medication is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Although many people choose not to discuss the way menopause can affect your intimate life, it is very common and you are not alone. No matter which stage of menopause you are going through, at Angels we want to ensure that you feel listened to, and cared for so that you can go back to having the great sex and intimacy you deserve.