how to maintain arousal after menopause
When I first entered menopause, I wasn’t quite prepared for how much it would change my body, relationships, and overall outlook on intimacy. As a relationship coach—and someone who has experienced menopause firsthand—I know that this stage of life can bring about significant challenges when it comes to sexual health and satisfaction. However, it’s also a time of new beginnings. The good news is, with a little patience, a few lifestyle changes, and a proactive approach, it is absolutely possible to maintain arousal and enjoy great sex after menopause.
The transition through menopause affects nearly every woman in some way, from hot flushes to weight gain and mood swings. But it’s the sexual changes that often catch people by surprise. The loss of estrogen levels leads to common physical issues like vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and a lower sex drive—changes that can make sexual activity less comfortable, or even painful. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But, as I discovered, there are practical ways to address these changes and maintain a satisfying sex life.
Embrace the Physical Changes
One of the first things I noticed during menopause was the onset of hot flashes and night sweats, followed by vaginal dryness. The drop in estrogen levels affects the vaginal lining and tissues, reducing natural lubrication and leaving the vaginal walls more prone to discomfort during sexual encounters. For many postmenopausal women, this can lead to painful sex or a loss of libido, which can understandably create a bit of frustration.
The best way I found to address these issues was by trying out a variety of vaginal moisturizers and vaginal lubricants. These products, particularly good water-based lubricants, provide much-needed lubrication during sexual activity. Coconut oil is another natural option that offers soothing moisture and can be a great idea for oral sex or foreplay. Vaginal moisturizers, used regularly, can help maintain vaginal health by keeping the tissues supple, while vaginal lubricants are perfect for use right before sexual intercourse to make it more comfortable and enjoyable.
Explore New Treatment Options
After struggling with some vaginal discomfort, I decided to explore treatment options that could help restore my sexual health. I learned about vaginal estrogen therapy, which involves applying estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues. This treatment improves vaginal lubrication, strengthens the vaginal walls, and can reduce the side effects of vaginal atrophy. Vaginal estrogen therapy is often recommended by healthcare professionals and has been supported by the North American Menopause Society as an effective treatment for postmenopausal women dealing with sexual difficulties.