Who says intimacy has to suffer after menopause? There’s a common misconception that menopause ruins a couple’s sex life when, in fact, evidence supports that this isn’t true for all relationships. Yes, changes may occur. However, with the right tips, couples can still enjoy being intimate.
Dr. Brandye MD, board-certified OB/GYN, Amazon #1 bestselling author, and women’s sex and pleasure coach. I teach women how to feel good in and out of the bedroom even after significant life changes like menopause!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. This article will discuss menopause and how to maintain healthy intimacy after it.
Who says intimacy has to suffer after menopause?
Dr. Brandye
What Does Menopause Entail?
Most people have a basic understanding of what menopause is but mainly associate that time in a woman’s life with hot flashes and mood swings. While that is correct to an extent, that description only touches the surface of what menopause entails.
The formal definition of menopause from the National Institute on Aging states that it starts 12 months after a woman’s last period. Sounds very simple, right? However, menopause is so much more than a loss of a period. It’s also the decline in the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen. This decline in estrogen can result in symptoms like:
- Painful sex
- Insomnia
- Hair loss
- Night sweats
- Memory problems
And these symptoms are just a few examples of menopausal changes that can occur in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause can affect the cardiovascular system, impact bone health, and cause weight gain.
Does Menopause Affect Intimacy?
The short answer? Yes. While menopause affects every woman differently, it does tend to play a role in intimacy or lack thereof. Painful sex, low libido, and less than stellar orgasms are common physical symptoms of menopause.
Not only that, but this time in a woman’s life can affect other aspects of the relationship, such as trust and communication. Women going through the menopausal transition can feel embarrassed, isolated, and anxious about their situation, causing them to become closed off.
The lack of communication can make a person’s significant other feel rejected, unwanted, and insecure, resulting in even more problems in the relationship.
Advice for Partners
If you are an individual in a relationship with a woman going through menopause, you may not know how to help them. It’s difficult trying to understand something that you’ve never experienced yourself. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to help your partner through this time.
One of the best ways to show support is by actively listening and being patient. You don’t want your partner to feel as if they’re going through this situation alone. Patience is also key, as your significant other may not fully know how to express everything they’re feeling.
Also, be sure that you are not projecting your insecurities onto your partner. While men may not go through menopause, aging can cause sex-related concerns like lower libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. It’s crucial to acknowledge when you’re struggling with your own situation. That way, you don’t let your fears hurt your relationship.
Steps to Maintain Intimacy
Step One: Fix sex-related insecurities
If you are experiencing sex-related problems due to menopause, don’t worry! There are many available options that will help you take matters into your own hands. Most issues have a solution. For vaginal dryness, consider doing some research on the best personal lubricants. Using lube can also help alleviate pain during sex.
Fixing sex-related problems applies to men in the relationship too. To ensure both parties are having a pleasurable time, research erectile dysfunction medications or premature ejaculation products if that’s where your problems lie.
Step Two: Work with a professional
Don’t feel embarrassed to seek help. Sometimes you may need a little assistance to reconnect with yourself and your partner, and that’s okay! Everyone deserves to feel sexy, and menopause shouldn’t stop you from living your best life.
A libido coach can be just what you need to evaluate problem areas and start working towards a better sex life. Having a professional treat your gynecologic concerns will help you gain back the confidence you may have lost. Whether you choose an office visit or a virtual consultation, don’t wait any longer to get professional help.
Step Three: Keep communication open
Don’t let miscommunication be why intimacy in your relationship takes a turn for the worst. Be vulnerable with your partner and let them know about what you’re experiencing. Whether you’re going through menopause or are helping your partner through the menopausal transition, don’t be afraid to be honest with one another.
If you want more help with how to maintain intimacy after menopause sign up for my next masterclass on sex and menopause here. During this FREE masterclass, I will walk you through why menopause IS NOT the end of your sex life! We’re going to get real about why menopause changes sex and what you can do about it.
