"Is there sex after menopause? my patients often ask me. And Ive got good news for them. Most definitely, if a woman wants to be sensual, her later years can be just that. Research consistently shows that people can have and enjoy sex into their 8th decade of life. And some women honestly do report that sex only improves with age.But there is a downside. Most women also have sexual symptoms during and after the menopause that interfere with sexual functioning. The most common sexual complaints are the result of decreased estrogen at that time of life, which may lead to vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and trouble having an orgasm. (Decreased estrogen also leads to fatigue, mood changes and sleeplessness, none of which are great for your sex life either). So now you are wondering, What can I do about it?And there is much you can do. First, mention it to your gynecologist so that you can educate yourself about the hormonal therapy options available to you. (If enough of our thirdage readers are interested, I can interview a gynecologist who specializes in female sexual dysfunction on this blog so speak up if this is of interest to you). Next, explore your options with over-the-counter moisturizers. Lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and estrogen creams can all help with vaginal dryness. Lubricants are used before and during intercourse, and vaginal moisturizers are used several times a week outside of intercourse. Both are obtained over the counter at your local drug store, or check out www.goodcleanlove.com for some great organic products. Estrogen creams and other hormonal preparations are obtained by prescription only. If your vagina is tight, the use of graduated dilator therapy can help gently stretch this constriction check out www.soulsource.com. If orgasm is an issue, a gentle vibrator may help intensify your stimulation and make orgasm easier to obtain. For this, try www.touchofawoman.com.
I also encourage mature women and men to approach sex differently than they had in the past. Rather than focus on penile-vaginal intercourse and orgasm, focus on the immense pleasure you can give and receive though foreplay alone. And remember, your heart and your brain are, and always will be, your most potent sex organs.
Does this information meet your needs? Wed love to hear from you. Try out this advice and let us know how it goes!
About the Author:
Marianne Brandon, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the president and director of Wellminds Wellbodies LLC, a center for integrative and holistic psychological care in Annapolis, Maryland. The co-author of Reclaiming Desire: 4 Keys for Finding Your Lost Libido, Dr. Brandon is also a Diplomat in Sex Therapy through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Her next book, Monogamy: The Untold Story, will be published in September.
