“Sexual difficulties can be life-long or recently acquired, but they are a common presentation at the menopause. They may also be situational (limited to certain types of…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Sexual Health and Menopause Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Menopause and Sexual Health
- Sexual Health and Menopause
- Sexual Well-Being and Menopause
Sexual Health
What may influence a woman’s sexual health?
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Causes of Sexual Problems the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:
“If you had to choose one word to describe women’s sexual function and sexual health, you’d be wise to go with “complex.” The factors that contribute to women’s sexual health and satisfaction—as well as to their sexual problems—are many, and they are often interrelated. These factors range from the physical changes of menopause and aging (reviewed earlier) to a woman’s physical health, her cultural and religious standards, issues in her relationship, her self-image, and stress and lifestyle issues”.2
Menopause, Aging, Other Factors
Is there an association between menopause, aging, other factors and sexual health?
In Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society note:
“Sexual difficulties can be life-long or recently acquired, but they are a common presentation at the menopause. They may also be situational (limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners) or generalized”.3
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife the NAMS elaborate on:
“Every woman experiences her midlife years differently. The changes that occur during this period, including changes in sexual well-being, are typically caused by a mix of both menopause and aging, as well as by typical midlife stresses and demands”.4
In Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) also note:
“At midlife and menopause, many things are likely to be happening, both to your body and in your relationships. There might be partners, children and ageing or unwell parents to consider, as well as work demands and even your sense of identity as a woman. These changes can affect your sexuality and, together with the hormonal changes, sexual problems may occur”.5
Sexual Activity
Is there an association between regular sexual activity and menopause?
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva – Vulvovaginal Atrophy the NAMS explain:
“When a woman doesn’t have intercourse or other vaginal sexual activity on a regular basis following menopause, her vagina may also become shorter and narrower. Then, when she does try to have intercourse, she is likely to experience pain, even if she uses a lubricant. That’s because dry, fragile vulvovaginal tissues are susceptible to injury, tearing, and bleeding during intercourse or any penetration of the vagina. The resulting discomfort can be so great that the woman avoids intercourse and the condition worsens. Sometimes, even women who are not sexually active are bothered by vaginal dryness and the irritation that may accompany it”.6
How may regular sexual activity help?
According to the NAMS:
“Continuing to have regular vaginal sexual activity through menopause helps keep the vaginal tissues thick and moist and maintains the vagina’s length and width. This helps keep sexual activity pleasurable”.7
Other Factors
What is it helpful to sort out with sexual problems?
In Sex & Relationships: Relationships – What Can You Do To Help Your Relationship? the JH note:
“If sexual problems are causing difficulties in your relationship, it is helpful to sort out how many of them are due to the physical symptoms of menopause, and how many might relate to other issues, or both. When you have worked this out, then you can seek the appropriate help”.8
Concern or Not
Are the changes menopause causes to a woman’s sexual life a concern?
Not necessarily. In Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause – The Impact of Symptoms the JH explain:
“Some women are concerned by the changes menopause causes to their sexual lives, and others are not so worried. It really depends on you, your attitude to sex, your age, how menopause has affected you, whether you are in a relationship, whether you want to have sex and whether there are other things happening in your life you are more concerned about”.9
Partners
Where may partners find more information about sexual health and menopause?
In Information for Partners: Sex & Menopause the JH elaborate on:
“A key issue for couples and relationships may be that your partner is no longer keen to have sex. This can be for a range of reasons related to menopause symptoms. One key symptom is a dry vagina: Lower levels of oestrogen directly affect a woman’s vagina and can make it thinner, drier and less elastic. Also, testosterone levels fall gradually with age and this can have an impact on a woman’s level of desire at menopause”.10
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with my sexual health and menopause?
If you would like help with your sexual health and menopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
The (United States) Mayo Clinic also encourage us to talk about sex explaining:
“Your health has a big impact on your sex life and vice versa. Don’t be embarrassed about discussing sex with your doctor. Your doctor can be a reliable source of information on sexual health. He or she can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. Your doctor can help you understand how sexual activity may change throughout your life”.11
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Sexual Health and Menopause?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Sexual Health and Menopause?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.#LetsDiscuss Menopause
- 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Birth Control Options
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Current Treatment Options for Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching: FAQs
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
- Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
- Global Consensus Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
- Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- How To Get Help With Your Sexual Health
- How To Increase Your Sexual Desire During Menopause
- How do I deal with vaginal atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Information for Partners
- International Society for Sexual Medicine
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
- Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
- Low Sex Drive In Women
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
- Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Ever since my periods stopped, my desire for sex has decreased. Is this normal?
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Advice To Partners About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Relationships, Sex and Contraception and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Mona Lisa Touch – Ask Dr Jean
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- New Drug Approved for Treating Low Libido In Women
- New! Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- New! How To Build A Positive Sexual Health Team
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
- Perimenopause Birth Control: What Are My Options?
- Relationships: Relationships & Libido – Talking With Your Partner
- Relationships: Relationships & Libido – What Can You Do About Desire Discrepancy?
- Relationships: Relationships & Painful Sex
- Safer Sex & STIs
- Sex & Relationships: Management & Treatment of Sexual Problems At Menopause
- Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause
- Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
- Sex & Sexual Health: Libido
- Sex and Relationships After the Menopause
- Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [Topics]
- Sexual Advice Association [United Kingdom]
- Sexual Devices
- Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
- Sexual Dysfunction Hits Some Women Harder Than Others As They Age
- Sexual Functioning In 4,418 Postmenopausal Women Participating In UKCTOCS (UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening)
- Sexual Health
- Sexual Health and Aging: Keep the Passion Alive
- Sexual Health: Basics – Sexual Health Basics
- Sexual Health: Expert Answers – Is There An Equivalent of Viagra for Women?
- Sexual Health: Female Sexual Problems
- Sexual Health: In-Depth – Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs
- Sexual Health: Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
- Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
- The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data
- The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
- The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+Video]
Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Vaginal Dryness and the Menopause
- Vaginal Laser Therapy
- Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Arousal and Orgasm Issues
- Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness In Survivors of Breast Cancer and In Those With A High Risk of Breast Cancer
- Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
- Women Can Breathe Sigh of Relief When Using Vaginal Estrogen To Treat Menopause Symptoms
- Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs
- Women’s Sexual Problems
- Women’s Wellness: Libido Drug To Help Women With Low Sexual Desire
Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment [+ Video]
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
- World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
- World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
- Your Sexual Health
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Causes of Sexual Problems. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause. Content Updated 27 June 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/722-sexual-difficulties-in-the-menopause Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva – Vulvovaginal Atrophy. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes In the Vagina and Vulva: Vulvovaginal Atrophy. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-the-vagina-and-vulva Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sex & Relationships: Relationships – What Can You Do To Help Your Relationship? Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause – The Impact of Symptoms. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/sex Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Information for Partners: Sex & Menopause. Last Updated: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 03 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/information-for-partners Accessed: 11 February 2021
- Have Questions About Sex? Ask Your Doctor. 01 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/art-20048805 Accessed: 11 February 2021