If you wan’t to get some other great valuable information about menopause and low libido, check out the Ultimate Intimacy Podcast Episode 136. Menopause and low libido with health and sex expert Cindy Scharkey
In the podcast episode, health and sex expert Cindy Scharkey answers the questions everyone is asking:
- What is menopause?
- What are the signs of menopause?
- How does it impact sexual intimacy?
- How long can it last?
- When does it start?
- What your spouse can do to offer support during this period?
Now back to the article – All About Menopause..What To Expect And How To Manage It
What exactly is menopause?
Menopause is a point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without having a menstrual period. This is just a natural part of aging and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The average age at which menopause can start is around 51 years of age, although for many people it can start much earlier.Menopause can last up to 10 years, but typically is around 5 years on average.
What are the most common signs of menopause?
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of menopause:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness that can causes a lot of discomfort during sex
- Urinary issues (needing to pee more often)
- A harder time sleeping
- Depression and anxiety
- Dry mouth, skin and eyes
- Painful or tender breasts
- Irregularities with periods
Other signs can include:
- A racing heart
- Headaches and migraines
- Aching muscles and joint pain
- Changes in your libido and sexual desire
- A hard time concentrating or focusing
- Weight gain
- Hair loss or hair thinning
Keep in mind that not everyone will have these symptoms as it can affect everyone differently. Some people may experience intense symptoms of some areas and no symptoms with others. Symptoms occur based upon changes to hormone levels.
Can menopause affect sexual intimacy?
ABSOLUTELY! Hormone changes and any other issues can have a significant impact on the desire for sex, especially if sex becomes uncomfortable or painful. When you physical and emotionally are experiencing significant changes in your body, and mind, it can really cause havoc in other areas such as sexual intimacy and emotional intimacy.
Other factors that may contribute to lack of sexual desire could include:
- Bladder control problems.
- Having trouble sleeping
- Stress, anxiety or depression
- Any other medical and physical conditions
When a woman has lower levels of estrogen in her body, this can also cause a decrease in blood flow to her vagina which can cause dryness, which can also make it uncomfortable or very painful during intercourse. What woman wants that?
If you are experiencing this, remember to use lubricant during your sexual intimacy. This will help with pain and discomfort due to dryness.
Also, there are many great ways to experience sexual intimacy. You don’t have to have intercourse. In fact, most women cannot orgasm through intercourse alone. Try outercourse and staying on the outside.
Do women going through menopause experience a decrease in sexual desire?
Menopause impacts everyone differently. While some women do experience a decrease in sexual desire, for some women it’s just the opposite. There are many things you can do, and try if you feel your sex drive (desire) has plummeted. You can try using lubricants, sex toys/aids such as a vibrator, and you can have more date nights. Instead of thinking you are just broken, try some different things that can help during this time period.
Some common ways to increase your sex drive
- Schedule time for sex. This can build more time for foreplay and get you in the mood
- Express to your spouse what feels good and doesn’t. Be willing to try new things
- Try to get more sleep
- Use lubricant
- Focus more on foreplay and getting in the mood
- Change your mindset
Menopause can impact everyone differently, but there are things you can do to manage it better, and make it through this period in life. Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your spouse about how you are feeling and let them help you through this rollercoaster of a time.
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