Sexual Health and Ageing: Navigating Changes with Confidence.
As women age, their sexual and reproductive health goes through various changes, particularly as we approach and go through menopause. We want to discuss the essentials of how sexual health changes with age, addresses the impact of menopause, and offer a little advice for maintaining a healthy and satisfying sex life through the years.
Understanding Changes with Age
Pre-Menopause: In the years leading up to menopause, women may start to experience changes in their menstrual cycle, mood, and libido due to fluctuating hormone levels. This is perhaps one of the biggest changes we experience that is noticeable to everyone.
Menopause: Typically occurring between 45 and 55 years of age, menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It's labelled official once a woman goes 12 months without a menstrual period.
Post-Menopause: After menopause, women might experience various physical and sexual changes due to decreased hormone levels. This is the part that is most illusive for women approaching menopause, the way in which your libido works in this period of your life is a topic unfortunately shrouded in mystery and with little research dedicated to understanding it.
Impact on Sexual Health
Vaginal Dryness: Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or painful.
Libido Changes: Hormonal changes and fluctuations during this time are likely to affect sexual desire or arousal in most women.
Physical Changes: Women may experience changes in their genital and urinary organs, such as the thinning and drying of the vagina, which overall affects sexual function and health.
Advice for a Healthy and Satisfying Sex Life
Communication: Openly discuss any sexual health concerns with your partner. Honesty and understanding can lead to a more fulfilling sexual relationship. Your body is going through gradual but significant change, communicating these with your partner helps keep everyone on the same page.
Lubricants and Moisturisers: Over-the-counter lubricants or vaginal moisturisers can alleviate discomfort due to vaginal dryness, nothing wrong with a bit of lube to help. you out ;)
Stay Active: It comes as no surprise that regular physical activity can improve stamina, mood, and body image, all of which contribute to a healthier sex life.
Manage Health Conditions: Chronic health issues can affect sexual health. Manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or depression in consultation with healthcare providers.
Hormone Therapy and Alternatives: Discuss with your doctor whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications are appropriate for managing menopausal symptoms.
Regular Sexual Activity: Maintaining regular sexual activity can help preserve vaginal flexibility and blood flow, reducing dryness and discomfort.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening pelvic muscles with exercises like Kegels can improve sexual sensation and urinary control. If you have previously had a child, the recommendations are very similar.
Embracing the Journey
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the physical changes that come with ageing and menopause. Understanding what to expect can help you navigate these changes confidently.
Seek Support: If you're struggling with the physical or emotional aspects of ageing, consider joining support groups or seeking counseling.
Prioritise Intimacy: Intimacy and closeness are vital components of a healthy sex life, which can also include non-sexual physical touch and shared activities with your partner.
Ageing and menopause are natural parts of life that bring changes to sexual and reproductive health. By understanding and anticipating these changes, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life. It's important to communicate openly, manage health and emotional well-being, and seek professional advice when needed. With the right approach, you can continue to enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship and embrace the changes that come with aging.
