Keeping intimacy alive after menopause
When sex is no longer enjoyable due to the changes brought on by menopause, many women sadly give up, wrongly believing there is no solution. This can result in loneliness within a relationship even leading to separation or divorce.
But there is help available and it comes down to addressing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a syndrome no one talks about despite the fact it affects all post-menopausal women and unlike hot flushes, doesn’t go away.
GSM covers a range of menopausal symptoms including incontinence, burning, stinging or itching of the vagina, delayed or impaired orgasm and reduced libido. The good news is, there is help available, even for women who are unable to use hormone therapy and it’s never too late to seek help and take action.
Treat the pain
Pain and discomfort during intimacy is often the result of vaginal dryness. This can be addressed in many ways including the use of lubricants or vaginal moisturisers but it’s worth talking to your GP about a longer term solution. For many women, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) will help.
An alternative to MHT is radiofrequency treatment with EmpowerRF to rejuvenate the tissue and increase collagen and elastin.
Take it slowly
Often women want to rekindle intimacy with their partner but are not sure how to go about it and fear often inhibits them initiating any intimacy at all.
A staged return to intimacy can help.
This is achieved by an agreement to limit the intimacy to non-sexual cuddles, no matter the level of desire, for an agreed period of time such as two weeks.
It’s a great way to reignite that spark in a comfortable way, before taking things to the next level when both partners are ready.
Try new positions
Laying side by side can give the woman greater control over the rate of entry and the depth of penetration.
If there is pain, stop at that point and breath and only increase penetration once the tissues have relaxed.
If pain is still preventing penetration, it is important to seek professional help to find a solution.
An examination will determine whether there is any other reason for the pain. A doctor can discuss options including estrogen cream, radiofrequency treatment and even Botox to help relax the muscles.
Address incontinence
One in two post-menopausal women experience incontinence, which can be a large barrier to sexual intimacy.
I have helped many women overcome their struggles with incontinence, using electrical muscle stimulation treatment (V Tone) and radiofrequency technology (Forma V and Morpheus8V) to rejuvenate the tissues and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It can be life changing.
Dr Judy Craig is a Perth-based GP and cosmetic physician. She has practiced medicine for over 40 years.
Image credits: Getty Images