Sexuality Post Menopause - The Music Doesn't Have to Stop

If the thought of vaginal atrophy worries you, know that you're not alone. For many women, the post-menopause years can mean a sexless marriage. But if sex is sometimes more painful than pleasurable, it doesn't mean it's over for you.

If you're currently in perimenopause, or that period in a woman's life which happens shortly before the occurrence of the menopause, you might notice some changes. But with the perimenopausal transition, it is a temporary stage, and one you don't necessarily need to focus on.

One of the many realities when it comes to sex after menopause is vaginal dryness. For this reason, lubrication is key. There is no reason to feel intimidated about using lubricant. Not only can it enhance sex, it can also make it more comfortable. Try Replens, K-Y Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer and Astroglide Silken Secret for starters.

For many women, the post-menopausal effects of lower levels of estrogen are the primary deterrents to sexual pleasure.

Another issue with orgasms after menopause is the declining estrogen levels often lead to thinning of the vaginal walls. This can contribute to making sex more painful. There are a number of options to discuss with your doctor, like estrogen creams and therapies.

Back in the day, as they say, you might have been able to conjure up multiple orgasms, but you're not twenty something anymore, and might have to work at it a little harder. But don't let that get you down, it's a fact of life. Don't expect to compete with your younger self. Just do the best with what you have and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Here's the good news (for some). If you were happy with your premenopausal sex life, then it's more often than not that things won't change a lot for you, and you'll likely maintain that satisfaction come post menopause.

There's a number of things you can do to try and maintain things as you remember, from kegels, squats and exercise and more to take your sex life to a new level.

Menopause can mean different things for different women, and there are a number of changes some of us go through. A lack of desire, vaginal pain and dryness, weight gain, urinary incontinence, fatigue, stress, depression or anxiety, and let's not forget my personal favorite - hot flashes.

Some of the things you can do before sex that might help can include increased foreplay, masturbation, touching and intimacy, and even fantasizing all help. It's all about experimentation, just like when you first started having sex, only you're a little older and wiser. Just use the same smarts when it comes to STD's as menopause does not mean you're not susceptible to them any longer.