Menopause and Sex (cont.)
How Can I Improve My Sex Drive?
Currently, there are not any good drugs to treat sexual problems in women. Estrogen replacement may work, but research has yielded conflicting results regarding its effectiveness. Estrogen can, however, make intercourse less painful by treating vaginal dryness.
Doctors are also studying whether a combination of
estrogen and the male hormones, called androgens, may be helpful in increasing sex drive in women.
Although sexual problems can be difficult to discuss,
talk to your doctor; there are options to consider, such as counseling. Your
doctor may refer you and your partner to a health professional who specializes
in sexual dysfunction. The therapist may advise sexual counseling on an individual basis, with your partner or in a support group. This type of counseling can be very successful, even when it is done on a short-term basis.
What Can I Do to Increase Intimacy With My Partner?
If your sex drive isn't what it once was but you don't think you need counseling, you should still take time for intimacy with your partner. Being intimate does not require having intercourse -- love and affection can be expressed in many ways. Enjoy your time together -- you can take long romantic walks, have candlelit dinners or give each other back rubs.
To improve your physical intimacy, you may want to try the following approaches:
- Educate yourself about
your anatomy, sexual function and the normal changes associated with aging, as well as sexual behaviors and responses. This may help you overcome your anxieties about sexual function and performance.
- Enhance stimulation through the use of erotic materials (videos or books), masturbation and changes to sexual routines.
- Use distraction techniques to increase relaxation and eliminate anxiety. These can include erotic or non-erotic fantasies; exercises with intercourse; and music, videos or television.
- Practice non-coital behaviors (physically stimulating activity that does not include intercourse), such as sensual massage. These activities can be used to promote comfort and increase communication between you and your partner.
- Minimize any pain you may
be experiencing by using sexual positions that allow you to control the depth
of penetration. You may also want to take a warm bath before intercourse to
help you relax, and use vaginal lubricants to help reduce pain caused by
friction.
Next: Do I still have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases? »
- Menopause - Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal itching, dryness, and pain, urinary symptoms, weight gain, acne, skin texture changes, and mood changes.
- Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) - Read about the symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) such as burning, itching, pain, rawness, stinging, aching, throbbing, and soreness. Causes and treatment information is included.
- Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships - Read about the frequently asked questions about sex and relationshiops. What are the most common causes of sex problems among couples? What causes sexual problems in women?
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