Menopause
LIBIDIO
Between 25 and 45 percent of postmenopausal women say they have pain during sex.
Women need to explore the emotional, physical, and medical factors that may sabotage sexual response and take advantage of a wide variety of therapies to address them.
Nature didn’t intend for women to be sexually active after menopause, so women have to work at it and must become creative.
Fewer than half of women ages 57 to 73 said they were sexually active, and those who were had sex less than twice a month, on average.
Factors that contribute to a fall in libido may include:
- hormonal changes
- physical changes
- sociopsychological factors
Emotional and physical health, as well as life experiences, personal or religious beliefs, socialization, and current partnership, all play a role in shaping a woman’s sex drive.
Depression. Becoming increasingly common at midlife, depression notoriously dampens desire.
Stress and anxiety. Job pressures, family responsibilities, lack of privacy, and worries about children or aging parents can render sex a low priority.
Relationship strains. If you feel yourself growing away or disconnected from your partner, you aren’t as likely to be interested in sex with him or her.
Health conditions. Diseases that affect blood flow and nerve function, including diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis, can reduce sexual responsiveness.
Medication.
- Drugs for high blood pressure can also affect desire. Since there are many options available, your physician can help you find one that keeps your blood pressure down without lowering your libido.
- Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can also impede orgasm.
Declining hormone levels.
- In women, both estrogen and testosterone can contribute to libido.
- Estrogen is manufactured by the ovaries and in body tissues; testosterone, by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
- While estrogen levels drop sharply at menopause, testosterone levels decline slowly and steadily with age.
After menopause, libido declines, and changes in our bodies can make it difficult to get aroused, painful to have intercourse, and impossible to climax. It’s little wonder that many women become dissatisfied with sex, and some avoid intimacy entirely.
Satisfying sex depends on several things: presence of desire, arousal, absence of pain, and an ability to reach orgasm.
Steps to improve your sexual health during menopause:
- Be active. Physical activity can boost your energy levels, lift your mood, and improve your body image. All of these can help increase your interest in sex.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking can reduce blood flow to the vagina and lower the effects of estrogen. This can make it more difficult to get aroused.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. They can slow down how your body responds.
- Have sex more often. If you choose to have sex, it can increase blood flow to your vagina and help keep tissues healthy.
- Allow time to become aroused during sex. Moisture from being aroused protects tissues and makes sex more comfortable. Consider aids
- Practice pelvic floor exercises. These can increase blood flow to the vagina and strengthen the muscles involved in orgasm. Learn more about pelvic floor exercises.
- Avoid products that irritate your vagina. Bubble bath and strong soaps might cause irritation. See your doctor or nurse if you have vaginal itching or irritation as it may be a sign of infection.
- Talking with your partner about your concerns can strengthen your relationship. Getting older and chronic health problems like heart disease or diabetes can affect your sexual health and how you feel about sex.
- Treat vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy.
How menopause affects sex drive
First, the hormonal changes of menopause can actually influence how you feel about sex. Hormones play a role in sexual desire, arousal, sexual enjoyment, and even your ability to have an orgasm. As hormones decline, they can have a massive effect on sexual interest and drive. Biologically, after menopause, women are no longer fertile and able to produce offspring. Naturally, this can affect libido and create a loss of interest in sex.
Second, as your hormone levels decrease, intercourse can feel less pleasurable. Blame this on vaginal dryness, which can make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. It’s not surprising that vaginal discomfort can affect your interest in having sex.
Raising libido
Low estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone are associated with low libido in women.
With hormone therapy, many women experience a considerable boost in sexual interest and drive. This treatment has a ramp-up period, so it may be around six months before it is fully effective.
Balanced hormones can also result in a better overall mood, and this can heighten perceived libido.
If you are experiencing pain, HRT can solve vaginal atrophy issues. The skin that lines the wall of your vagina will thicken back up and become more elastic when hormones a reintroduced. You will also experience more lubrication, which helps stop the pain associated with pulling from intercourse.
Schedule a HRT Appointment
If you are experiencing a low sex drive or are having discomfort during sex, HRT may be the right solution for you.
For more information on treatment options, call the office of County Obstetrics & Gynecology to schedule a consultation.
Treatments can be tailored to each individual woman depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, age, and overall health.
Vaginal Rejuvination
Hormone-Free Non Surgical Treatment
FEMILIFT
Femilift is a minimally-invasive technique that uses laser technology to revitalize atrophied genital tissue. The Femilift procedure can restore vaginal lubrication and elasticity and relieve discomfort experienced during sexual intercourse.
The Femilift procedure can alleviate these symptoms, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Genital irritation, burning, or itching
- Painful intercourse
How does the Femilift work?
The specially designed laser handle directs a tiny carbon dioxide fractional laser at the vaginal walls, which stimulates collagen production. The tissue can then regenerate, growing healthier and more elastic, which improves vaginal lubrication and allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable sex life.
The course of treatment consists of three sessions, six weeks apart. The sessions take no longer than 5 minutes, and most patients experience no pain or discomfort. If you wish, your doctor can apply a local anesthetic cream before the procedure.
The risks of fractional CO2 Laser treatment are virtually nonexistent. Femilift is one of the safest medical procedures available.
Patients can return to their normal activities upon returning home from the procedure. However, you should avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours. You may experience some redness or swelling for a day or two, but you shouldn’t expect severe pain or tenderness.
Most patients have been very happy with their results and have reported significantly less itching, burning, dryness, and pain during sex. Although the full treatment takes three sessions, you may start to see some improvement in your condition after the first session.