I have had a lot of my middle-aged male friends complain about their sex life, especially those in long term relationships like marriage. It is always the same complaint: their female partners are not as sexual as they used to be and this has greatly affected their sex lives.
Those who used to have regular sex are hardly getting any because their female partners are uninterested.
I am talking about couples in their forties and fifties. As much as I don’t want to make a case for the women, men need to understand that a lot happens to a woman at this age, and the most profound of it all is menopause. Interestingly men at this age suffer some form of decline as well.
Menopause is an inevitable consequence of age but it doesn’t have to reduce the quality of life one lives. Life is all about evolving and adapting to change. Menopause is one of such occurrences that though inevitable, can be managed.
Unfortunately there’s still some stigma attached to it and this shouldn’t be so. It is not a disease. It is a circle of life for every woman. So there needs to be more information and schooling about it. A woman needs to be aware of the symptoms and how to handle them. She also needs to have support around her, especially from her partner.
So what exactly is menopause?
Menopause is a natural stage of life that occurs in women, typically in their late 40s or early 50s. During this period, women experience a decline in hormone levels, especially estrogen, which can have various effects on their physical and emotional health. One significant aspect of a woman’s life that can be affected by menopause is her sex life.
Menopause can cause a decrease in libido or sexual desire in women. This is because of the decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the genital area and decreased production of natural lubrication. Consequently, women may experience a lower sex drive and find it more difficult to become aroused or achieve orgasm.
It is important to note that during menopause, women may experience a decrease in their sex drive due to various reasons other than hormonal changes. Stress, relationship issues, fatigue, and changes in body image can also contribute to this condition. Additionally, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia can further affect a woman’s desire for sex.
Menopause can have a particularly significant impact on a woman’s vaginal health. The decrease in estrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to thin and dry, a condition that is called vaginal atrophy. This can result in symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse
Vaginal atrophy is one major fallout of menopause and can cause discomfort or pain during sexual activity for women, leading to a decline in sexual pleasure and activity. Additionally, it can increase the risk of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, it can cause the vaginal tissues to become thin and delicate, making them more susceptible to tearing and causing more discomfort and pain.
Menopause can also have a significant impact on a woman’s emotional well-being, which can, in turn, affect her sex life. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. These emotional changes can also cause feelings of loss, grief, and a sense of aging, which can affect a woman’s self-esteem and body image.
The emotional changes that occur during menopause can affect a woman’s sexual desire and ability to enjoy sexual activity. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia can leave women feeling too tired or unwell to engage in sexual activity. Moreover, changes in libido and vaginal health can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and dissatisfaction with one’s sex life.
Menopause can affect the dynamics of a woman’s relationship with her partner. As women go through menopause, it may be necessary for their partners to adjust to changes in their sex life. This adjustment can result in communication challenges, misunderstandings, and conflicts related to sexual intimacy.
During this period, women may also experience changes in their bodies and sexual desires that can make them feel self-conscious and insecure. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining a healthy and satisfying sex life with their partners. Additionally, partners may struggle to understand the physical and emotional changes that women are going through during this time, which can further complicate the situation.
Menopause can sometimes bring partners closer together as they navigate the changes that come with this stage of life. Open communication, understanding, and support from both partners can help overcome the challenges that menopause may present to a woman’s sex life.
Various strategies can help women maintain a satisfying and enjoyable sex life despite the challenges that menopause may bring. Here are some steps to take:
– Being open and honest with your partner about your sexual feelings, desires, and concerns.
– Experiment with various methods to increase sexual pleasure such as using lubricants, sex toys, or trying out new positions.
– Engaging in self-care and stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
– Seeking help from a therapist or counsellor to deal with emotional issues associated with menopause and sex.
– Discussing menopausal symptoms and treatments with a healthcare provider, treatments such as hormone replacement therapy or vaginal estrogen therapy.
– Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep to promote overall well-being and sexual health.
Finally, it is critical for women to prioritise their sexual health and well-being during menopause, and to seek help and advice as needed. Women can maintain a fulfilling and satisfying sexual relationship throughout their lives by understanding the effects of menopause on their sex life and taking proactive steps to address any challenges that may arise.
I would love to get feedback, questions and recommendations on the topics you would want me to shed light on.
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