A typical menopausal disorder is a drop in libido. But it is often a consequence of some intimate change: loss of lubrication and elasticity, sometimes pain. On an emotional level, the woman witnesses a progressive change in her body which can demotivate her approach. Here’s how intimacy changes in menopause and what can be done to recover it.
The medical and scientific information contained in this article has been approved and validated by our gynecologists
For the vast majority of women , menopause changes intimacy due to factors related to the new physiological condition and in particular for:
- Alterations in hormone production ,
- vaginal dryness ,
- decreased desire ,
- pain during intercourse ( dyspareunia ),
- difficulty in seeking pleasure.
When the organism gradually transforms in view of an important “passage” such as the one that leads to the end of the fertile age, it is normal for something to change on a physical (but also psychological) level. However, this does not mean that in menopause we have to give up love and pleasure: far from it.
The gynecologist can do a lot to help you recover your smile under the sheets but the first move must come from you: free yourself from embarrassment and discomfort and share your difficulties with your partner . This is the first step to rediscover the intimacy of a couple and return to love .
If you want to know more about love in menopause, read this article.
We will tell you about:
- Decreased desire in menopause: this is what happens
- Love in (less) pause, when it’s all the fault of pain
- How does the genital system change after the age of 50
- What to do to rediscover the intimacy of a couple in menopause
Decreased desire in menopause: this is what happens
Reduced hormone production is one of the main reasons why menopause occurs . This new physical state affects the vaginal environment , the lubrication of the intimate parts and the elasticity of the tissues . As a result , intimate relationships can become difficult and sometimes painful .
In this case we are talking about a drop in libido , a condition that can have biological origins, such as those just described.
The notorious decline in desire , however, also has causes more linked to the psychological sphere .
An example above all: abdominal swelling and the tendency to gain weight (common in menopause) can make it difficult for many women to easily recognize themselves in a new silhouette and have pleasure in showing themselves to their partner.
So it can happen that you are ashamed of your physical appearance and feel uncomfortable with yourself and with others: just enough to feel less desirable and start thinking about considering love as a matter to be closed.
A situation that, in the long run, could also compromise the couple’s relationship .
Love in (less) pause, when it’s all the fault of pain
Often it is not love that is lacking but the desire to be close to the partner for those physical “impediments” that make the matter so difficult to induce to give up.
Pain during intimate intercourse , in fact, can be present due to:
- of vaginal dryness
- of intimate itching and burning
- of real pathological conditions such as Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy .
Sometimes this forces the woman to give up on the very best.
A situation that, in addition to causing embarrassing moments , can also emotionally weigh on one’s self-esteem and, in general, on one’s psycho-physical balance.
And it is precisely the mental tranquility, already, at times, undermined by anxiety states , mood swings and irritability or other moods that can be frequent in menopause and that are not to be underestimated, that can worsen the approach to ‘ love and intimate relationships in menopause .
How does the genital system change after the age of 50
To these possible “discomforts” due to menopause is added the basic condition that inevitably changes the female apparatus after the age of 50 :
- the decreased production of estrogen and progesterone alters the vaginal pH (which becomes more alkaline) and predisposes more to the risk of intimate inflammation , cystitis and candida ;
- again due to the drop in estrogen levels, the vaginal walls become thinner and more fragile: less lubricated and drier, they cause intimate discomfort and annoying lesions ;
- the new hormonal structure can also cause spotting and blood loss : an uncomfortable condition that is anything but a friend of the desire for intimacy with one’s partner;
- with the passing of the years, the vaginal tissues “age” and relax like the organs and muscles of the whole body: this condition can make it more difficult to seek pleasure because the “response” to orgasm is reduced ;
- relaxation of the pelvic floor tissues can cause incontinence and uterine prolapse : these are conditions that have an impact on good intimacy, but for which a lot can be done through pelvic gymnastics and specific physiotherapy courses .
What to do to rediscover the intimacy of a couple in menopause
In menopause , love can even become more intense and engaging , also thanks to being freer from work and family commitments .
Renouncing to live peacefully one’s intimacy as a couple is a mistake, which in the long run could also have repercussions on one’s psycho-physical balance (it is scientifically proven that love helps to keep oneself young ).
Meanwhile, the good news is that in postmenopausal menopause symptoms should subside , but only if in these years you have taken care of your health. For these reasons, do not postpone the time to make an appointment with an experienced gynecologist in menopause (from which you can be accompanied by your partner): you owe it to yourself because your health comes first but also to the serenity of your relationship. couple .
