Understanding Post-Menopausal Sexual Health

Menopause marks a natural transition in a woman’s life, bringing with it a cascade of hormonal changes that can alter sexual health. As estrogen levels drop, many women notice a shift in their bodies; vaginal dryness becomes more common, libido might wane and intimacy can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Navigating this stage of life can seem overwhelming, but maintaining your well-being means facing these challenges head-on. These changes are a normal part of aging, and valuable support and solutions are available to help maintain intimacy.

Coyle Institute helps our patients embrace the age of menopause and provides them with the expert guidance and treatments they need along the way. Take a look at how to navigate your sexual health as a woman after menopause.

Addressing Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

Post-menopause, the decline in estrogen levels often leads to vaginal dryness, which can make intimacy uncomfortable.

Here are some first-line solutions to consider:

• Lubricants: Water-based, silicone-based or natural oils like coconut oil can provide immediate relief during intimacy.
• Moisturizers: Products like Replens or K-Y Liquibeads offer longer-lasting moisture, reducing dryness over several days.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and maintaining overall hydration can help keep mucous membranes, including those in the vagina, moist and supple.

While there may be things you can try on your own to combat vaginal dryness issues after menopause, other options available through a urogynecologist can also help. At Coyle Institute, we take these initial steps further by offering treatments that are known to be highly successful.

For example, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a tailored estrogen treatment that can restore vaginal tissue health to some degree, often reducing dryness and atrophy. Likewise, non-hormonal options for those who can’t or prefer not to use hormones are available. We provide alternatives like diVa™ vaginal laser therapy, which can improve tissue elasticity and lubrication. These treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall quality of life, ensuring women can navigate this life stage with comfort and confidence.

Maintaining Intimacy After Menopause

Maintaining a satisfying sex life post-menopause involves more than physical adjustments. Open conversations with your partner about desires and changes foster understanding and support. A state of openness will help your partner understand the changes your body is going through and help prevent them from misinterpreting your lowered libido or changes in sexual satisfaction as a personal or relationship issue.

Exploring new ways to connect, such as focusing on emotional intimacy and perhaps discovering different forms of physical closeness, can also go a long way toward reigniting passion. Despite the physical and emotional changes you may face, intimacy can evolve and remain fulfilling long after you have made it through menopause.

Exploring Treatment Options at Coyle Institute

At Coyle Institute, we understand that menopause can bring on drastic changes in terms of your sexual health, and the change can mean significant repercussions to your overall well-being. Therefore, we offer a variety of treatments to manage sexual health concerns post-menopause and take a more holistic approach to providing care. We may recommend:

• Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapies: These can include laser treatments that help rejuvenate vaginal tissue, like diVa or other similar non-hormone options.
• Hormone Treatments: Tailored HRT options can address a range of symptoms, from dryness to decreased libido.
• Counseling Services: Professional guidance to navigate emotional and relational impacts of menopause.

These treatments are designed to restore comfort, confidence and sexual satisfaction by easing negative symptoms you may be experiencing, whether physical or emotional. Our goal is always to do all we can to help you enjoy a fulfilling, comfortable life post-menopause.

When To Seek Professional Help

Recognizing when to seek professional help for sexual health concerns after menopause involves understanding that certain symptoms, if persistent or distressing, might require more than just home remedies or time. Here are key indicators that it’s time to consult a healthcare provider:

• Persistent Pain or Discomfort During Sex: If sexual activity consistently results in pain or discomfort, which might be due to vaginal dryness or atrophy, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
• Significant Libido Changes: A noticeable and distressing decrease in sexual desire might warrant professional evaluation, especially if it impacts your quality of life or relationships.
• Urinary Symptoms: New or worsening urinary issues like incontinence or frequent infections could be linked to menopausal changes and should be checked.
• Emotional Distress: Feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression related to sexual changes can benefit from the guidance of a doctor, professional counselor or therapist.
• Lack of Response to Home Remedies: If over-the-counter lubricants, moisturizers or lifestyle changes don’t alleviate symptoms, professional treatment might be necessary.
• Bleeding After Intercourse: Any unexpected bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.
• Difficulty with Arousal or Orgasm: If these issues become persistent and bothersome, seeking help can offer solutions like hormone therapy or counseling.
• Relationship Strain: When sexual health issues begin affecting your relationship, guidance or treatment can be beneficial for both partners.

Find Guidance for Sexual Health and Well-Being Post Menopause

Seeking advice from the best care provider to explore personalized treatment options that can enhance your sexual health and overall well-being after menopause can make all the difference. Contact Coyle Institute at 850-637-8258 for expert care tailored to your needs.