Sex doesn’t stop at the menopause: advice for this stage of life

Sex during the menopause is a particularly important issue for all women going through this phase, and it has a negative impact on many of them – but it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can enjoy your sexual health to the full!

Don’t let the menopause put a stop to your sex life!

As the menopause sets in, it’s common for many women to experience vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during sex. What’s more, according to the ‘Let’s Talk About the Menopause’ study by the consultancy firm Kantar, half of women going through the menopause say their sex life is negatively affected, citing this dryness as one of the main symptoms.

But let’s not just leave it at that, because there is a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon. During the menopause, oestrogen levels drop, causing the vaginal tissues to become thinner, less elastic and more fragile. In addition, vaginal secretions decrease and the vaginal pH level rises. This combination of factors contributes to the development of vaginal dryness. In fact, some women experience bleeding after sex.

So… how can we prevent this? Whilst it’s true that we cannot avoid the natural bodily changes of the menopause, we can follow certain guidelines to minimise their impact and try solutions such as relieving vaginal dryness. Read on to find out more!

How can I enjoy sex during the menopause?

As we’ve mentioned, a series of physical changes occur during the menopause that can affect the quality and fulfilment of sexual activity, with vaginal dryness being one of the main issues. But don’t worry, here are some tips to help you continue enjoying sex during the menopause:

• Follow an Íntim Care routine that moisturises from within. You need to take time to ensure good lubrication and hydration. To treat vaginal dryness, we recommend Lubripiù Óvulos vaginal suppositories, which contain a combination of emollient oils and hyaluronic acid with lubricating, moisturising and soothing properties. They also restore comfort in cases of itching, burning, pruritus, redness and irritation, and are simple to use: 1 suppository every night for 10 days.
• Use water-based lubricants. For a more enjoyable experience, try our Mucus lubricant, which will help keep your intimate area soft and moisturised. It is water-based, formulated with hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, and is recommended for painful sexual intercourse caused by dryness.
• Remember to urinate after every sexual encounter to prevent urinary tract infections. If you suffer from recurrent cystitis, you may find dietary supplements such as Cranbioma capsules helpful in preventing a possible new infection following sexual intercourse.
• And one essential tip… Talk to your partner! The emotional and affectionate aspect of your relationship plays a major role. It’s very important to keep communicating and to let your partner know about any new needs you may have. Explain to your partner how you’re feeling!

As you’ve seen, there are certain recommendations you can follow to ensure your sex life during the menopause remains fulfilling and enjoyable. Remember to consult your trusted gynaecologist if you have any concerns.

References

Sanitas. Sexuality after the menopause. Retrieved from https://www.sanitas.es/sanitas/seguros/es/particulares/biblioteca-de-salud/vida-sexual/sexualidad-menopausia.html 

Dexeus Mujer (2022). SEX AND THE MENOPAUSE: 5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE. Taken from https://www.dexeus.com/blog/sexualidad-y-pareja/consejos-sexo-y-menopausia/ 

Askabide Klinika. SEXUAL LIFE AFTER THE MENOPAUSE. Retrieved from http://www.askabide.com/servicios-medicos/ginecologo-en-guipuzcoa/menopausia/vida-sexual-despues-de-la-menopausia.php

Kantar study “Let’s talk about the menopause”. Taken from https://www.kantar.com/es/noticias-corporativas/nuevo-estudio-de-kantar-hablemos-de-menopausia