Painful Sex & Menopause. Is It Due to Hormones?

Painful sex & menopause, one of the most undesirable symptoms of menopause happens as you transition into this stage of life. But just when you thought that everything’s behind you and the menopausal symptoms have subsided, one change continues to linger well into your postmenopausal stage: painful sex.

You’re not alone. As many as 45% of postmenopausal women say they experience painful sex.

If you notice a link between painful sex and menopause, or this is an issue that continues to bring you discomfort, then read on to discover why it happens and what you can do about it.

What Causes Painful Sex During Menopause?

Postmenopausal dyspareunia, defined as painful intercourse, is characterized by sharp or burning pain during sex.

The truth is, several factors make sexual activity painful during and after menopause, such as the following:

• Estrogen decline. Perhaps the biggest factor is the drop in your hormone levels, particularly estrogen. The decrease in estrogen can thin, shrink, and dry your vaginal walls, leading to a condition known as vulvovaginal atrophy. Your vagina also stretches less, adding to friction during sex and making deep penetration painful.
• Higher vaginal pH. Falling estrogen levels can also make your vagina more alkaline —  the main reason why you experience vaginal burning. A high pH also suppresses the good lactobacillus in your vagina, making you more susceptible to vaginal infections.
• Anxiety – Painful sex can make you worry, tightening your vaginal muscles even more. It also further reduces vaginal lubrication, decreasing your libido and making sex a dreaded activity for many menopausal women.

What Can You Do to Relieve Vaginal Pain During Sex?

Just because you’re experiencing postmenopausal dyspareunia doesn’t mean that you should give up on sex altogether.

Here are some tips to boost your sexual health and rekindle the pleasure in your sex life:

• Use lubrication during intercourse. Feeling dry down there? No problem! You can try using vaginal lubricants if your natural lubrication is no longer enough, this can help ease pain during sex. Lubricants are available over the counter. Just make sure that you buy water-based lubricants if you’re using condoms for contraception, as they don’t damage condoms and can be used internally and externally.
• Moisturize your vagina. Keep your vulva and vaginal tissues plump and hydrated by using vaginal moisturizers. They can also ease the dryness in the long run, as long as you apply them regularly.
• Wash your genitalia with care. Avoid using perfumed shower gels, soaps, and bath oils as they can dry your skin. Remember, your vagina is self-cleansing, so no need to buy fancy washes that can disrupt your vagina’s natural pH.
• Do pelvic floor exercises. If you’re also experiencing urinary incontinence, you can engage in Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles around 1-3 times a day. The Squeezy app recommended by the NHS can help you stay consistent in doing your pelvic floor exercises.
• Don’t be afraid to have sex. When it comes to maintaining your vaginal health, you gotta use it or lose it. Arousal can help improve blood flow, combating dryness, and increasing your natural lubricants. Make sure that you spend time on foreplay or even engage in self-pleasure to ease yourself into sex.

If intimacy continues to hurt, don’t hesitate to consult your gynecologist or primary care doctor.