For a long time, it was believed that libido decreases with age, and when menopause occurs, a woman’s sex life ends altogether. But that’s not true, experts say. The quality of life does not have to deteriorate after the age of 50 – it can even improve. How to achieve this?
First, don’t be afraid of the word “menopause” or “climax” and be ready for it. Endocrinologists, gerontologists and gynecologists have a lot to offer in this regard. Here’s what you need to know about menopause: which common statements are true and which are myths.
The truth about menopause
1. Sexual activity during menopause improves a woman’s health
Menopause is not an obstacle to sex. This rule should not be forgotten. All experts agree: the best way to overcome the discomforts of menopause is to have a regular sex life. Sex has a great effect on blood circulation, as well as a woman’s psychological state. Even if a number of diseases have developed during menopause, you should not give up your sex life, as this will negatively affect your libido and general physical condition.
In addition, menopause is like a second youth. Think for yourself: the children have grown up, sexual feelings have remained, there is no risk of pregnancy, migraines and other painful sensations characteristic of PMS have disappeared. It seems, when else to enjoy life, if not now? However, many women accept this period as the end of everything – youth, sex, love.
What exactly happens in a woman’s body during menopause? Estrogen levels decline faster than testosterone levels. And it is testosterone that is responsible for sexual activity. So it turns out that testosterone does not disappear anywhere and does not decrease. So the desire does not pass. A woman’s physiology is such that after menopause she wants sex even more.
2. The ability to experience orgasm does not disappear
There is an opinion that sex is only for the young and healthy. It is not true! You can be 90 years old, you can have health problems, you can sit in a wheelchair, but love and the desire for sex do not disappear anywhere. You just have to keep in mind that when women reach menopause, estrogen decreases, and this affects the secretion of the vagina – less moisture remains. Therefore, stimulation and sex itself take more time than in youth, and foreplay becomes even more important for a woman. Also, the ability to feel orgasm does not decrease with age. Even an 85-year-old woman can experience an orgasm.
Scientific studies have proven that sex affects the life span of both men and women. Try to have sex regularly, at least twice a month, and don’t forget about masturbation – it turns out that it is especially useful in old age. If you don’t have a partner, use sex toys.
3. Sex life improves during menopause
The unpleasant symptoms of menopause are perfectly treated with hormone therapy. Yes, sometimes middle-aged women complain of decreased libido. Doctors, in addition to hormone therapy, often advise women to train their intimate muscles to prevent muscle atrophy or pelvic organ prolapse. This can be achieved with vaginal balls – they help train the muscles of the pelvic floor. They can be of different sizes and weights – lighter and larger balls are for beginners, heavier and smaller balls are for experienced players.
Vaginal balls work on the following principle: in order to hold the weight inside, the muscles must tense up. When these intrinsic muscles are stressed, they gradually become stronger.
Myths related to menopause
Myth 1. Menopause is always accompanied by fatigue and hot flashes
As medically explained, sweating and hot flashes are best treated with hormone therapy. Progesterone and estrogen – the best combination and the best therapy. Even small doses have a protective effect and increase the density of bone tissue. Therefore, if women want to prolong their youth, maintain a good appearance and sexual activity, it is recommended to visit a doctor and consult about the use of hormones.
Myth 2. Sex during menopause no longer brings pleasure
Research shows: sexuality and libido are not related to estrogen levels, which drop significantly during menopause. In addition, according to the results of the survey, about 50 percent of women admitted that they had not noticed that their interest in sex had decreased. In fact, less than 20 percent of women experience a significant decrease in libido. However, even that 20 percent can be the result of biases and expectations. Therefore, do not be surprised if during menopause your intimate life becomes richer than before.
Myth 3. After menopause, the whole body changes
Menopause is a natural change in the body, a rearrangement of hormones, which also happens to men with age. During this period, the level of hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are very important for a woman’s body, drops. These processes not only ensure that pregnancy cannot occur, but changes also occur in the condition of the skin and hair, as well as in metabolic processes. During this period, a woman can gain weight. But if you are ready for these changes, they will not affect your quality of life in any way. What to do? Eat right, follow a healthy lifestyle, live an active life (including sexually), give up smoking and alcohol, if necessary, use hormones. It will ensure beauty and health for many years to come. After all, menopause symptoms can last not 3-5 years, as doctors used to think, but even 10 years.
Myth 4. Menopause makes women hysterical
Menopause can be a very peaceful time for some women, while others actually become more irritable. There are several factors that influence the emotional state during menopause: personal health and reproductive history; eating habits; smoking, drinking alcohol; a woman’s willingness to seek help from doctors.
Myth 5. After the onset of menopause, there is no need to be wary of pregnancy
It is not true. After menopause, the chance of getting pregnant decreases significantly, but there is no absolute guarantee that pregnancy cannot occur. The use of contraceptives is still relevant for at least two years after the end of the menstrual cycle, because during this time there is still a possibility of pregnancy.