How Menopause Can Affect Your Sexual Health

Back in the day, menopause was sometimes referred to as “the change of life,” and for good reason. Although today, the nickname might sound a little old-fashioned, menopause does usher in major life changes — some positive and some that can be a little challenging. Most women know menopause means no more periods and no more risk of getting pregnant. But menopause also brings with it a steep decline in estrogen — the female “sex” hormone — and with it, some other changes in your sexual health.

At Bluebonnet OB/GYN, we’re committed to helping women in San Antonio, Texas, enjoy optimal health at every age and every stage of life. For women in menopause, that means providing them with the care and support they need to navigate menopause and the changes it brings, including changes in sexual health. If you’re wondering how menopause might affect you sexually, here’s what you should know.

Menopause and sexual health

More than a million women enter menopause each year in the United States. Most women know all about hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings during menopause, but the effects on sexual health are less well-known. By learning to recognize these symptoms, you can decide when is the right time to get treatment so you can continue to enjoy every aspect of your life.

You might enjoy sex more

Plenty of women are worried that menopause means they’ll enjoy sex less, but in many cases the opposite is true. That’s because menopause means you can’t become pregnant, and for many women, that means they can be more relaxed during sex. No more pregnancy worries may help your partner enjoy sex more, too.

Intercourse might be a bit uncomfortable

As your estrogen levels decline, your production of natural vaginal lubricants can drop as well, and your vaginal tissues tend to become thinner and more brittle. As a result\, you might start to notice some discomfort during intercourse due to an increase in friction inside the vaginal canal. In extreme cases, you might have some light bleeding.

You might have less interest in sex

Estrogen is one of the drivers of desire for women, so it makes sense that when estrogen levels decline, your libido drops, too. Some women find they feel more tired or moody during menopause, and these changes can also affect your interest in sex.

You might develop stress incontinence

As your vagina becomes thinner, it may not provide the same type of support it once did for your bladder. That means you might experience some urine leakage or “dribbling” when you laugh or sneeze — or during physical activities like sex. 

Custom treatments for your needs

Menopause symptoms can vary — sometimes a lot — from one woman to another, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure your treatment is based on your unique needs. At Bluebonnet OB/GYN, we offer both hormonal and non-hormonal menopause treatments to allow every woman to get the individualized care and support she needs.

• Hormonal replacement therapy uses bioidentical hormones to replace hormones lost during menopause
• Prescription creams replenish estrogen while also providing better lubrication during intercourse
• MonaLisa Touch uses focused energy to promote collagen development and production of natural lubricants

Prior to any treatment, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam to ensure your plan of care is just right for your concerns and your goals.

Get the care you need for menopause symptoms

Yes, menopause ushers in a lot of changes — including some relatively unpleasant ones. The good news is, there’s no need to suffer from bothersome symptoms. 

At Bluebonnet OB/GYN, we can custom-tailor a treatment program for you to reduce your symptoms, improve your sexual health, and enhance your quality of life. To learn more about the menopause treatments that can help you feel better, call our San Antonio office at 210-686-6171 and schedule an office visit today.