How To Maintain A Good Sex Life During Menopause

Keep in mind that most women reach menopause around the age of 51, but the entire process takes more than a decade.

Menopause is a common stage in the life of all women. Despite being one more stage, today it is still a taboo that leads to misconceptions and makes many women fear its arrival.

Intimina, a company that offers the first range dedicated to caring for all aspects of women’s intimate health, asked Irene Aterido, Intimina ‘s sexologist and menstrual cycle expert, about the most common concerns related to menopause, as well as the importance to maintain a strong pelvic floor during this time. Her responses have spawned an ”Intimina Menopause Guide”.

HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?

Menopause has common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, difficulty sleeping, joint or muscle pain, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue, and a drop in libido.  That said, in the first few years you probably won’t notice these changes, as they can affect each woman differently. Some of us do not have any symptoms while others experience some milder and short-lived ones. Keep in mind that most women reach menopause around the age of 51, but the entire process takes more than a decade.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A GOOD SEX LIFE DURING MENOPAUSE?

Yes, you just have to exercise your pelvic floor muscles. As we mature, it’s natural for our sexual sensations to change. Also, our libido can be affected by factors such as stress and medication. Menopause further contributes to this, as sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone are produced in much smaller amounts.

Keep in mind that most women reach menopause around the age of 51, but the entire process takes more than a decade.

Loss of muscle strength is a natural part of aging, and our pelvic floor muscles are not immune to it. Due to menopause, more muscle strength can be lost, so being active and staying fit with regular exercise is key. A change in urinary function may also be noted, which can lead to a feeling of weight in the vagina. This is why it is essential to keep your pelvic floor muscles toned.

“The pelvic floor muscles are tremendously important during sex. Regular pelvic floor exercises can increase muscle tone and blood supply to the vulva. Thanks to them we can increase the pleasure felt during sexual intercourse, and intensify the orgasm.  Working on the relaxation and elasticity of the pelvic floor can also reduce the internal pain that could be experienced. Devices like KegelSmart can help you perform these exercises better, safely, guided by professionals, and more effectively than one alone, ” affirms Irene Aterido.

Rachel Gelman, a pelvic floor physical therapist, explains that “exercise, in general, is essential for health, including sexual health. And the pelvic floor muscles are involved in most forms of exercise. One thing that can help with overall pelvic floor health is having better bowel movements. A squat-like posture is best for that function, and can be very helpful for your pelvic floor.”

WILL I FEEL DEPRESSED DURING MENOPAUSE?

“A change in mood is a common phenomenon in menopause but it is different from depression. It is important to talk to a doctor and get the right advice to deal with the changes,” says Aterido, stressing the importance of communication in the couple: “Talk openly with your partner about your menopause and the changes you are experiencing. Good communication is essential to navigating the beginning of the climacteric”.

WHAT HELPS RELIEVE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?

A healthy lifestyle can help relieve any medical symptoms of menopause. In this sense, Irene Aterido advises women to control their diet, and eliminate caffeine and alcohol consumption.

“A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can improve some symptoms. Specifically, the number of phytoestrogens in the diet can be increased with foods such as soy. Some women also take selenium, vitamin C, and herbs such as ginkgo Biloba, sage leaf, and licorice, but evidence of their impact is limited Acupuncture or black cohosh may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats Non-hormonal medications such as clonidine or other types of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy may also be considered (clinical psychology)”, concludes Irene Aterido.