You're likely aware of the effects of menopause, but the more pressing question may be: how can you combat these effects and revitalize your sex life?
We're here with some recommendations on addressing common menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and difficulties reaching orgasm. There are numerous strategies you can employ to maintain a healthy and vibrant sexual response for your overall well-being and sexual health.
Understanding the Impact of Menopause on Your Sexual Response
To comprehend the effects of menopause on your sexual response, it's crucial to begin with the role of the clitoris. When you experience sexual arousal during foreplay or penetrative sex, your clitoris undergoes a process similar to the erectile response in a penis. This heightened arousal prompts a surge of blood to the clitoris, causing it to swell and, consequently, release lubrication.
It's important to note that the clitoris is more extensive than the visible external gland. It extends upward and traverses your pelvic muscles, thereby stimulating the walls of the vaginal canal. The increased blood circulation also induces a tightening effect, which is instrumental in reaching orgasm.
Menopause signifies the cessation of estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. However, the ramifications extend beyond hot flashes. In the absence of estrogen, your vaginal tissues, including the clitoral region, may experience thinning. Your vaginal canal can become drier, shorter, and narrower. Some women observe a reduction in the size of their clitoris. This thinning of vaginal tissues is medically referred to as "vaginal atrophy" and can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse.
7 Ways to Make Menopausal Women Orgasm Again
Fortunately, there are various strategies to address sexual challenges faced by menopausal women. Here are seven effective ways to adapt to your changing sexual health during and after menopause:
Embrace Clitoral Stimulation
With the potential reduction in clitoral surface area during menopause, focusing on direct clitoral stimulation can be a great starting point. Consider using an external massager or vibrator designed to cater to your needs. Opt for a sex toy crafted from medical-grade silicone, offering adjustable speeds to accommodate any changes in your sexual response. If you plan to use it during penetrative sex with a partner, an external massager is an excellent choice.
Additionally, our very own product, Inya Rose toy, is a superb option for menopausal women. It's a rechargeable, intuitive, and discreet external vibrator made from smooth, medical-grade silicone.
Its great looking design makes it perfect for solo play and couples foreplay. Simply squeeze to increase the intensity, allowing it to adapt to your changing sexual needs.
Keep in mind that clitoral stimulation is essential at every stage of sexual health, so we recommend vibrators for everyone.
Incorporate Kegel Exercises into Your Daily Workout
Kegel exercises are an excellent way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to more intense orgasms. If you're interested in learning how to do Kegels, here's a quick guide: Begin by lying down on your bed. Now, contract the muscles you'd typically use to halt the flow of urine; these are your pelvic floor muscles. Hold this contraction for 3-6 seconds, then relax for 10 seconds, and repeat the 3-6 second hold. Complete this cycle ten times.
Try novel experiences
Shake up your usual bedroom routine and view this as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. Explore sexual activities that have piqued your curiosity but remained unexplored. This is a chance to discover new ways of connecting with your sexual desires and responses.
If you find that you're struggling to attain the same level of sexual pleasure as before and suspect that psychological barriers may be affecting you physically, it might be worthwhile to explore sex therapy for guidance.
Consider Estrogen Cream
For individuals without a family history of female-specific cancers such as breast or ovarian cancer, consulting your doctor about estrogen cream may be an option. Estrogen cream is specifically designed to address vaginal atrophy. It's important to note that this is a temporary solution, as most doctors do not recommend its extended use, typically not exceeding one year. This limitation arises from studies indicating that estrogen cream may have carcinogenic effects.
Use Lubrication
Utilizing lubricants is a key strategy to combat the effects of menopause on your sexual health. Water-based lubricants serve as excellent moisturizers, acting as a substitute for natural lubrication. These lubricants closely resemble the consistency of natural fluids and should not adversely affect your vaginal pH if purchased from a reputable source. However, if you find that water-based lubricants do not fully meet your needs, don't be discouraged. Silicone-based lubricants are also highly effective and provide longer-lasting lubrication compared to their water-based counterparts. Keep in mind that silicone-based lubricants are not compatible with silicone sex toys, as they can potentially affect the body-safe material of the toy.
The use of lubricants is essential, particularly if you were not a regular user before experiencing menopause. This is due to the thinning of vaginal tissues and reduced clitoral function. Adequate lubrication helps prevent friction, ensuring that sexual activities remain comfortable and enjoyable.
Explore Vaginal Dilators
For individuals facing discomfort during sexual intercourse due to the narrowing and shortening of the vulva, the use of vaginal dilators can be a valuable solution. Vaginal dilator therapy involves a set of progressively wider cylindrical tubes designed to help you gradually accommodate larger sizes within your vaginal canal.
Prioritize Foreplay
It's common to observe that you require more time to achieve orgasm. To ensure that you fully enjoy any intimate session, incorporating substantial foreplay before the main event is essential. Adequate foreplay ensures optimal lubrication and activates your sexual responses in advance, minimizing the risk of any painful interruptions.
