If you’re postmenopausal and are experiencing changes in your sex life, you’re not alone. Many women’s outlook on sex shifts during and after menopause.
Some women enjoy sex more because they no longer have to worry about getting pregnant. But many others find their interest in sex waning after menopause. In fact, more than one-third of women who are premenopausal or postmenopausal say they have sexual difficulties such as reduced libido or trouble having an orgasm, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
At Alpenglow Gynecology in Littleton, CO, Rickie Guida, WHNP-BC, understands how menopause impacts a woman’s sexuality. She works with you to address symptoms that may be interfering with your enjoyment of sex.
Read on to learn about some of the ways that menopause affects your sex life.
During menopause, your body produces fewer hormones. Lower estrogen levels can cause a variety of changes in your body.
For example, with less estrogen, your vaginal tissues can become thinner and drier, leading to a condition known as vaginal atrophy. When vaginal atrophy strikes, penetration, and intercourse may become painful or unpleasant.
Lower estrogen levels can also dampen your libido, causing you to have less interest in sex.
Menopausal symptoms can affect how you feel about yourself and your sexuality. It can be tough to feel sexy when you’re dealing with symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
What’s more, common menopausal symptoms can interfere with your sleep, leaving you cranky and exhausted the next day.
If you release urine when you laugh, sneeze, or cough, or if you have to get up frequently during the night to pee, you may have urinary incontinence. This is a common condition in postmenopausal women, and it can contribute to a loss of interest in sex.
You don’t have to settle for a less-satisfying sex life. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help improve your sexual health.
For some women, simple things like doing pelvic floor exercises and using vaginal moisturizers or lubricants can make a big difference. And allowing more time for foreplay may boost your ability to become aroused.
For stubborn menopause symptoms, treatment with hormone therapy or vaginal estrogen can help.
And if vaginal dryness, pain during sex, or urinary incontinence stand in the way of your sexual enjoyment, Alpenglow offers treatment with MonaLisa Touch, a minimally invasive laser procedure that regenerates vaginal tissue without the need for medications.
MonaLisa Touch is a safe, effective procedure that restores vaginal strength and flexibility by promoting the formation of new blood vessels and collagen, a protein that gives your vaginal tissue strength.
If menopause is making your sex life less fun, let us help. Alpenglow offers innovative treatments for menopausal symptoms. To consult with one of our specialists, call our office or use our online scheduling tool to make an appointment.
