Menopause and Sexuality

Menopause and Sexuality explains evidence-based solutions for when we feel low libido or vaginal dryness or painful intercourse impact our sexuality.

Sexuality

What is sexuality?

Depending on the Source (DotS) the definition of sexuality may vary. In Sexuality and Intimacy In older Adults, content reviewed: 18 April 2022, the (United States) National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) definition is:

Menopause and Sexuality“Sexuality is the way we experience and express ourselves sexually. It involves feelings, desires, actions, and identity, and can include many different types of physical touch or stimulation”.

Libido

What is libido?

Depending on the Source (DotS) the definition of low libido may vary. In Libido: What Is Libido? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

“Libido is the sexual instinct or erotic desire and pleasure. Your libido is otherwise known your ‘sex drive’. Libido varies from woman to woman and can be influenced by a range of different factors”.

Low Libido and Testosterone Therapy

Can low libido be treated with testosterone therapy?

The video Testosterone Explained (Reviewed: 1 March 2023) includes:

“Prof Nick Panay, Consultant Gynaecologist, Imperial College and Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals London, President – International Menopause Society and Member – BMS medical advisory council, answers these FAQs: What is testosterone and what is its role in women? Is testosterone replacement effective in managing menopausal symptoms? What symptoms does it help with? Is testosterone replacement safe? Are there side effects with testosterone replacement? How long could it be taken for? How should testosterone therapy be monitored in women? How is testosterone replacement given? What are the currently available options in the UK?”.

Vaginal Dryness

What is vaginal dryness?

DotS the definition of vaginal dryness may vary. In Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?, published 07 December 2022, the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body’s estrogen levels during menopause”.

Vaginal Dryness Treatment Options

What are some vaginal dryness treatment options?

In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options, published 2022, the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

Menopause

  • “Nonhormone Remedies
    • Vaginal Lubricants…
    • Vaginal Moisturizers…
    • Regular Sexual Stimulation…
    • Expanding Your Views of Sexual Pleasure…
    • Vaginal Dilators…
    • Pelvic Floor Exercises…
  • Vaginal Hormone Therapy…
    • Low-dose local estrogen…
    • FDA-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
    • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; Prasterone)
    • Low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA and a history breast or uterine cancer…
  • Systemic Estrogen Therapy
  • Other Therapies…
    • Ospemifene
    • Vaginal Laser Therapy…”.

Painful Intercourse

What is painful intercourse?

In Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms – Sex Is Becoming Painful: What Can I Do? content reviewed: 30 September 2021, the NIA elaborate on:

“Pain during sexual activity is called dyspareunia. Like other symptoms of the menopausal transition, dyspareunia may be minor and not greatly affect a woman’s quality of life. However, some women experience severe dyspareunia that prevents them from engaging in any sexual activity without pain”.

Health Care Provider

What if I experience low libido or vaginal dryness or painful intercourse?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic note:

“Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any unexplained vaginal spotting or bleeding, unusual discharge, burning, or soreness.

Also make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience painful intercourse that’s not resolved by using a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) or water-based lubricant (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others)”.

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Seek Advice the JH elaborate on:

“It is better for your relationship and future sexual experiences to discuss your feelings of low libido. You may want to seek advice from your doctor, with your partner if appropriate. Some of the following may help:

  • Treatment for any underlying illness or medical condition
  • Lifestyle changes and stress management
  • Herbal remedies (see an accredited naturopath)
  • Hormone therapy (if appropriate)
  • Medication changes
  • Antidepressants (certain antidepressants may be more suitable, others can reduce libido)
  • Stress management
  • Couples counselling
  • Counselling with a therapist who specialised in sexual concerns”.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause and Sexuality?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause and Sexuality?

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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.

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  3. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  4. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  5. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  6. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  7. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  8. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  9. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  10. Information for Partners: Sex and Menopause
  11. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  12. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  13. Libido and Testosterone Therapy – Podcast
  14. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships
  15. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  16. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  17. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  18. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  19. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  20. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  21. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  22. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  23. Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
  24. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause and Sexuality
  25. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  26. Sex and Menopause: Treatment Symptoms [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  27. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  28. Sexuality and Intimacy In Older Adults
  29. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  30. Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone?
  31. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  32. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  33. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  34. Vaginal Dryness
  35. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  36. Vaginal Laser Therapy for GSM/VVA: Where We Stand Now – A Review By the EUGA Working Group on Laser
  37. Vaginal Oestrogen
  38. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  39. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  40. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  41. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  42. “We’re Just Tired”: Influences on Sexual Activity Among Male-Partnered Women In Midlife; A Mixed Method Study
  43. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  44. What Happens If A Woman Takes Viagra?
  45. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  46. Yes, You Can Have Better Sex In Midlife and In the Years Beyond

Last Updated: 05 August 2023 – Last Revised: 01 April 2023
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