How To Prevent Painful Intercourse During Menopause

Presented by BetterHelp.

Once menstruation has halted for 12 months or more, the woman is said to have entered menopause. Many women experience painful intercourse (also called dyspareunia) as a result of hormonal shifts during and after menopause. In spite of this, with education and the help of medical professionals, the condition is manageable and even treatable.

Causes

During and after menopause, the body goes through a lot of changes. During menopause and postmenopause, a drop in estrogen levels is the primary cause of uncomfortable sexual encounters.

Although both sexes produce some estrogen, estrogen is more prevalent in females. Estrogen helps the vagina produce more lubrication and new cells by acting on the vaginal lining. Lack of sufficient estrogen causes a decrease in vaginal lubrication and cell development, resulting in a dry, less elastic vagina. The vaginal lining becomes thinner and less dense.

The vaginal tissues may become too thin and dry, making penetration and sexual activity unpleasant. Some women experience extreme pain or a sensation of stiffness in the vaginal area when having intercourse because of this issue. Some women report vulvar or vaginal discomfort or burning after sexual activity.

These shifts and side effects can certainly contribute to uncomfortable sexual encounters, but menopause isn’t the only likely source of discomfort. About 7 in 10 women have had a negative sexual experience at some point in their life, and the reasons for this are diverse.

How It’s Treated

Discomfort during sexual activity may cause long-term psychological and social problems. The good news is that women can receive treatment to reduce or eliminate sexual pain.

The first step in pain treatment is always a thorough medical examination and history to identify the root of the problem. Examination of the pelvis and possibly additional blood and urine testing may be part of the diagnostic process.

Once the root of your discomfort has been identified, your doctor can begin treatment. Rising estrogen levels and hormone therapy are the most often used treatments for sexual pain.

Low-Dose Estrogen

Low-dose estrogen therapy is a short-term therapeutic option that can be taken orally, applied topically, inserted vaginally, or delivered through the skin. This remedy is available as a ring, a tablet, or a cream.

Many postmenopausal women find that vaginal application of topical estrogen helps ease vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. Vaginal tissues may become thicker and more elastic as a result.

Although oral estrogen is a viable option, it is often not taken until all other options have been exhausted to minimize the risk of systemic side effects.

Non-Hormonal Treatment

Your doctor may recommend switching to a non-hormonal treatment if the hormone-based options are causing you discomfort or if you have an increased risk of serious health issues such breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease. Ospemifene is the only non-hormonal treatment for vaginal dryness licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. You only need to take one capsule daily.

Experiment with Masturbation

Masturbation helps women get ready for sexual activity and alleviates discomfort. Tension is relieved and blood flow is increased when you masturbation. As the blood flows to the vagina, it helps to lubricate the area and prepares the woman for penetration.

Switch Things Up

If you’re having trouble getting things going, try switching positions. You can alter your course to avoid any uncomfortable spots. When a woman is on top, she has more control over the intensity of the penetration, which might be helpful for those who feel excruciating pain.

More intercourse increases the chances of finding a method that feels good to you by acclimating your vagina to the sensation.

Utilize Vaginal Lubrication

Using lubricant can help you avoid discomfort caused by dryness during sexual activity. Water-based lubricants are the preferred choice, however other choices are available.

Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers that don’t contain hormones can help prevent irritation and damage to the lining of the genital canal. Before engaging in sexual activity, use lubricant, and for best results, use a vaginal moisturizer on a regular basis.

Be Sure to Include Foreplay

The vaginal mucus that is produced during foreplay is a natural lubricant, making it an important part of sex. Remember that foreplay can be painful as well, and that lubricant can be used to lessen the pain.

Talk To Your Partner

The first step in preventing or treating sexually transmitted discomfort is having the difficult conversation about it. Have a conversation with your spouse and your doctor about this, and figure out a plan of action together. Learn more about how to have open and honest conversations about your sexual health here.