4 Tips for Better Sex After Menopause
Menopause is by no means the end of your sex life. In fact, it could be the beginning of an entirely new (and even more fulfilling) chapter! Here’s what you should know about how menopause can impact your sweet spots, your sex life, and what you can do about it.
Menopause & Your Sweet Spots
“The Change” brings more than a few changes to your sweet spots. In the vulvar area, the decrease in estrogen triggered by menopause can lead to thinning of the labia, atrophy, dryness, and (surprisingly) loss of pubic hair. Inside the vagina, you see a loss of natural lubrication that can make sex uncomfortable. Here are some of the most common menopause symptoms below the belt:
- Dryness
- Atrophy
- Changes in shape, size, appearance of labia, etc.
- Vaginal atrophy
- Fusing of labia
- Skin conditions like lichen sclerosus
- Thinning
- Inflammation
- Itching
- Redness
- Soreness
- Painful sex
What is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful sex, but not all painful sex is the same. Superficial dyspareunia is pain in the vulva and vaginal opening - this is the most common cause of painful sex. Deep dyspareunia is pain in the vaginal canal and lower pelvis. And though common, especially during menopause, painful sex is by no means “normal.”
Painful sex can mean mild discomfort, or it can mean burning, aching, throbbing, tearing, or chafing.
What Can I Do About Painful Sex?
Moisturize Daily
The majority of pain with sex is actually a result of dryness around the vaginal opening (aka the vestibule), not necessarily inside the vaginal canal itself. So while lube is great in-the-moment, daily moisturizing around the vestibule is just as important for pleasurable sex after menopause. Hydrate Ever After is an estrogen-free intimate moisturizer that helps replenish natural oils and prevent discomfort over time.
Use Lubricant
If vaginal dryness is making sex painful, reach for a high-quality lube to reduce friction/chafing/tearing and maximize pleasure. Remember there’s nothing wrong with you if you need to use lube during sex - prioritize your pleasure and do what feels right for you!
Post-Coital TLC
Sex can disrupt the natural balance of your intimate skin, leading to some less-than-ideal after effects. pH-balancing SweetSpot Labs Wipes make for a quick and easy way to cleanse and soothe your sweet spots after sex.
If a roll in the hay leaves you with itching, burning or stinging, reach for Rescue Balm. It’s estrogen-free and packed with skin-soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and sweet almond oil - a lifesaver for post-sex discomfort. It’s clinically proven non-irritating on intimate skin, tested and recommended by unbiased gynecologists and is an absolute fan-favorite for menopause.
Tips for Better Sex After Menopause
Go Solo
Masturbation has been shown to boost mood, relieve stress and improve the quality of sleep. Who doesn’t need that? Plus, there’s no better way to feel empowered, confident, and sexy than taking charge of your own pleasure.
Get Creative
Remember, penetrative vaginal intercourse isn’t the only way to have sex. Ask your partner to join you for mutual masturbation, experiment with oral sex, or try incorporating toys. The sky’s the limit!
Continue Practicing Safe Sex
Ovulation can spontaneously occur during the first year after your last period, and it’s possible to contract sexually transmitted infections at any age, so it’s important to keep using condoms or other contraceptives as needed.
Have Fun!
Menopause isn’t the end of your sex life. Remember to enjoy yourself and do what brings you pleasure - you deserve it!