Menopause and Painful Sex: How Hormonal Changes Impact Intimacy

 

Being in the mood for some fun in the bedroom can become irritatingly complicated with the arrival of menopause. It’s likely no surprise that hot flushes aren’t helpful when it comes to feeling sexy, but what else can get in the way of some needed romance? 

While menopause can certainly add some factors to the mix when it comes to sex, all hope is not lost. This season of transition is inevitable for women – but losing our sex drive doesn’t have to be. We’re taking a look at why some women experience painful sex during menopause, including how hormonal changes can impact intimacy throughout these years of fluctuation.

Why can sex be painful during menopause?

Understanding the reasons why sex can be painful during menopause means we need to look at a multitude of potential factors. The underlying culprit behind the vast majority of these is the hormonal shift that takes place during menopause, when the oestrogen that our bodies rely on to keep vaginal tissues elastic and lubricated begins to disappear. As the natural production of oestrogen continues to drop, the vaginal tissue can become thinner, drier, and far less flexible. For many women, this dryness can increase friction during sexual activity, creating burning or stinging sensations that aren’t exactly part and parcel of a great moment.

There’s also the challenge of reduced blood flow to the vaginal area, which is also a result of ongoing menopausal changes. With less blood reaching the vaginal tissue, this area can become more fragile, becoming easily irritated to the point where even light, gentle touches are uncomfortable.

For women who have experienced these changes to their sexual health, the physical pain they encounter can also lead to mental and emotional pain. Fear of discomfort during sex can create a vicious and complicated cycle, as any anxiety carried into sexual activity can cause muscles to involuntarily tense, making penetration even more painful. As a result, many women report a reduction in their levels of sexual desire, as well as a decreased sense of satisfaction in their sex life throughout menopause.

Other factors in sexual pain alongside hormonal fluctuations

Our changing hormones are certainly responsible for many of the changes to sexual enjoyment and capacities throughout menopause, but they’re not the only source of complication. For women with underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, there’s also a higher risk of decreased sexual function. As well, medications that are prescribed to help with these conditions can often make vaginal dryness even more intense. 

Are you struggling with sexual pain during menopause? Speak to the team at the Australian Menopause Centre about how we can alleviate your discomfort.

How to navigate painful sex throughout menopause

If reading the above is making the idea of sex during menopause feel even more complicated, let’s turn towards some of the options available to us. There’s no need to give up on a satisfying and enjoyable sex life throughout menopause. By looking at strategic support sources, you can likely reduce the impact menopause has on your life, creating more opportunities for pleasurable intimacy.

First, it’s important to prioritise open, honest, safe, and respectful communication. For couples who may not have historically spent much time discussing their shared sex life, now is the time to begin! Communicating both the physical and emotional changes you’re experiencing is key to finding new ways through these challenges. You may find, for example, that new forms of intimacy need to be prioritised in the short-term, including different tools for physical and emotional connections.

As an equal priority, looking at relief sources for physical symptoms can be game-changing for women suffering from painful sex. There are a number of options on the market that can help to alleviate vaginal dryness, including moisturisers and lubricants that are available over the counter. Your doctor can also help to guide you through the range of options available in the form of vaginal oestrogen creams or suppositories, as well as how hormone replacement therapy could provide significant relief from a wide range of menopause’s symptoms and challenges. 

Some simple exercises can also be useful for menopausal women looking to reduce the impact of menopause on their sex life. By focusing on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with regular Kegel exercises, you can also increase the amount of blood flow and elasticity you’re able to retain, as well as potentially improving natural lubrication.

It’s also important to look at how you can reduce your stress levels. This is important for women in every stage of their life, not just menopause! Constant stress and anxiety have a clear carry-on effect on our sexual desire and natural arousal. By reducing stress wherever possible and turning to regular relaxation or mindfulness techniques, you can proactively minimise the impact of stress on your sexual intimacy throughout your menopausal years.

How to talk to your doctor about sexual pain during menopause

Sadly, too many women suffer in silence when it comes to sexual pain during menopause. As a result, they’re also likely to simply accept these changes to their sex life rather than seek the support they need for comfortable, pleasurable, and desirable physical intimacy. By choosing to voice your concerns and experience to your healthcare team, you can find ready support that will help you to protect and prioritise your sex life throughout menopause and beyond.

It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider in order to make sure there’s no other underlying medical condition at play that could also be contributing to sexual pain. Your doctor can also recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs, helping to support your physical and emotional wellbeing through practical resources.

You can also work together to formulate a personalised plan, building in checks and balances over time to make sure your sexual health remains a key priority throughout your experience of menopause. There’s no need to do it alone – and with the right support, you can experience a world of difference.

Conclusion

At the Australian Medical Centre, we welcome women who are experiencing all kinds of challenges with their health throughout menopause. Find the proactive and insightful support you need to navigate sexual pain during menopause and protect your ability to enjoy sexual intimacy. We’re here for you!