Sexual Wellness During Menopause: Addressing Common Concerns and Myths

Menopause & Sex: Sexual Wellness for Menopausal Women

We’ve all heard about the hot flashes and mood swings, but menopause brings other, often less talked about, sexual wellness concerns. Many women experience changes that impact their intimacy and sexual health, but not enough conversations are happening around these topics.

While some women move through menopause with minimal issues, others may face challenges like painful sex due to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or a decrease in sexual desire. These are common and manageable concerns, yet they often go unspoken. Let’s explore some of the most common sexual health issues women face during menopause and what you can do to improve your well-being.

Common Myths About Menopause and Sexual Desire

One of the biggest misconceptions about menopause is that it automatically leads to a decline in sexual interest. But the reality is more nuanced. When I speak with women in my practice, many express continued sexual needs and desires—before and after menopause—but struggle to communicate these changes and challenges with their partners.

Unfortunately, our culture is steeped in myths about menopause and women’s sexual health. We’ve been led to believe that losing interest in sex is an inevitable part of aging, but that’s far from true. Emotional and physical factors—such as discomfort or pain during sex—can lead women to avoid intimacy, not a lack of desire.

“So why aren’t women talking about painful sex?”

The stigma surrounding menopause and aging plays a significant role. Many women feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their sexual health concerns, even though millions of women experience the same issues.

The Reality of Menopause and Sexual Health

The most common cause of sexual discomfort during menopause is vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), which occurs due to reduced estrogen levels. This condition leads to vaginal dryness, making sexual activity painful, causing sensitivity and sometimes irritation. For many women, this discomfort leads to avoiding sex altogether—not because they don’t want to, but because the experience becomes physically painful.

When sex becomes painful, it can create emotional disconnection with a partner and negatively impact body image and sexual self-esteem. Many women feel isolated or unsure where to turn, but it’s essential to understand that these experiences are common—and treatable.

Breaking the Silence Around Menopause and Painful Sex

It’s time to break down the stigma surrounding menopause and encourage women to make sexual health a priority. Many women feel ashamed or uncomfortable bringing up these concerns, but there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Menopause is a natural part of life, and addressing your sexual health concerns is an essential part of aging well.

Here are some important statistics to consider:

• 32 million menopausal women in the U.S. experience vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels.
• Despite the prevalence of these issues, only 22% of postmenopausal women aged 50+ have discussed sexual health concerns with their doctor.

What You Can Do: Simple Solutions to Improve Sexual Well-Being

If you’re living with sexual concerns due to menopause, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available to help you enjoy a healthy, fulfilling sex life post-menopause.

A straightforward solution is to prioritize lubrication for greater comfort during sex. Lubrication is key to improving sexual wellness after menopause, especially for those experiencing vaginal dryness. I often recommend pjur med, a brand that offers a range of highly compatible, silicone, and water-based lubricants that provide essential moisture to the vaginal tissue.

Try their products and take advantage of their free sample offer at pjurmed.com for a more comfortable, enjoyable experience.

Menopause: A Time for New Beginnings

Menopause is often seen as a time of endings but it’s a time for new beginnings. With the right tools, resources, and open conversations about sexual health, women can continue to enjoy fulfilling, pleasurable sexual experiences well into their later years.

Don’t let myths or discomfort stop you from prioritizing your sexual well-being—you deserve to feel confident and connected with yourself and your partner at every stage of life.