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For whatever reason, there’s a stigma around older people havingsex.
Adobe Stock / Natalia Maca
Menopause is marked by 12 straight months without aperiod, according to theMayo Clinic.
Theres a myth that women stop having sex after menopause, and its completely untrue.
Here, experts discuss exactly what to expect from sex after The Change.
Itisdefinitely true that sex after menopause can be painful, at least for some time.
Most of the time, this is related to a loss of estrogen.
Issues like pain,vaginal dryness, and urinary problems can crop up as a result of vaginal atrophy.
Around half of postmenopausal people experience these symptoms, according to theMayo Clinic.
Doctors mainly treat vaginal atrophy with some form of estrogen supplementation, but there can be drawbacks.
Theres nothing wrong with needing help in the lubrication department.
In fact, Tami Rowen, M.D.
Generally, water-based lubes that dont contain glycerin are a good choice because theyresuitable for people with sensitive skin.
Further, Dr. Rowen suggests buying a lube that mimics the natural pH of your vagina.
(For reference, a pH range of 3.84.5 is considered normal).
Dr. Rowen recommends lubes like Almost Naked by Good Clean Love (Amazon, $25).
This one falls between 4.2 - 4.7 on the pH scale, according to the manufacturers website.
Your libido might dip thanks to menopause.
Its not universal, but some people with menopause report decreased libido, says Dr. Pizarro.
Adequate exercise helps double-check your blood is flowing properly, which is an essential part ofgetting wet during sex.
Menopause can have mental and emotional effects, too.
For some people, the idea of losing their period can be psychologically distressing.
And as we mentioned, your hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, change during menopause.
And this change may cause feelings of anxiety anddepression.
However, finding a therapist can be a long, and often stressful, process.
(This articlehas some useful tips about finding affordable mental health services).
Generally, you will want to start by asking your insurance company for a list of providers.
If you dont have insurance, websites likeOpen Pathinclude therapists who offer reduced-fee sessions.
And keep in mind that you could still get pregnant even after the menopause process starts.
Some people have breakthrough periods andspotting or bleedingin between, according toThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
And while that doesnt necessarily mean that youve ovulated, it could mean that you have.
And that means you couldpotentially get pregnant.
With all that said, you might still have a great sex life in menopause.
Pizarro and Brown-James both agree on this point.
In fact, Dr. Pizarro says meno post-menopausal people have very active sex lives even without taking estrogen.
Whats more, sexual satisfaction mightincreaseonce someones been through menopause.
There are a few reasons that might happen.
The worry of being pregnant is no longer there, says Brown-James.
Also, some people experience an increase in their sexual awareness of their bodies.
Bonus: That may also lead to more intenseorgasms, says Brown-James.
Or you might find that youre not as interested in sex, and be totally fine with that.
Its just not something that concerns them.
(Well travel again one day, right?)
Its best not to ignore any changes that cause you distress.
You may cringe at the thought oftalking to your gynecologistabout sex.
But rest assured, there is no reason to feel awkward.
If you’re dealing with these changes and are very much unhappy with them, talk to your doctor.
Right now, this may be a conversation that needs to take place viatelehealth due to the pandemic.
Go find someone who will listen to you and take your problems seriously, Dr. Rowen says.
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