Menopause and Sex Drive
If you are a woman nearing the age when menopause is affecting you, it may concern you that your sex drive is beginning to wane even as the other symptoms of menopause are increasing. The loss of estrogen at this point in menopause can lead to changes in a woman’s sexual drive and functioning, usually causing it to decrease at least somewhat.
Menopausal and perimenopausal women usually notice that they are not as easily aroused any longer, and may be less sensitive in general to physical stimulation – which is the result of a marked decrease in sex drive. Does it have to be this way? Not if certain steps are taken to increase the hormone levels as well as the interest level in sex.
In fact, some post-menopausal women actually report an increase in sex drive, which may be due to a decrease in anxiety about getting pregnant. In addition, many post-menopausal women often have fewer if any child-rearing responsibilities, allowing them to relax and enjoy more intimacy with their partners. The free time is a real benefit, although it may be a tradeoff for other annoying symptoms.
One problem found during and after menopause is vaginal dryness, which can be treated with water-soluble lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or other over the counter alternatives. Non-water soluble lubricants such as Vaseline should not be used because they can weaken latex in condoms, which you should continue to used to avoid pregnancy until your doctor verifies you are not producing anymore eggs and to prevent contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Non-water soluble lubricants can also provide a medium for bacterial growth which can lead to infection.
Here are a few suggestions to increase your level of intimacy:
- Take control over your sexual function, and the normal changes associated with aging, as well as sexual behaviors and responses. This may help you overcome your anxieties about sexual function and performance. Remember whatever you are going through has certainly been experienced by many other women, so you aren’t alone.
- Use yoga or meditation techniques to increase relaxation and eliminate your anxiety. These can include erotic or non-erotic fantasies; exercises with intercourse; and music, videos, or television.
- Use non-intercourse techniques such as physically stimulating activities that do not include intercourse, like sensual massage. These activities can be used to promote comfort and increase communication between you and your partner.
- Minimize pain which is many times associated with women going through menopause. You may find that by using sexual positions that allow you to control the depth of penetration it will be much more comfortable. Experimenting with these positions may be quite the fun process, too. You may also want to take a warm bath before intercourse to help you relax, and use vaginal lubricants to help reduce pain caused by friction. Vaginal dryness is easily remedied if you keep a tube of lubricant handy in these sessions.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at natural menopause remedies site and reading our massive article collection!
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