Written by Thomas Myers - January 23, 2023
How Common is Painful Intercourse After Menopause?
As most women approach menopause, they may find themselves worried about how their sex life may be impacted. One of the main issues associated with menopause is painful intercourse. It is estimated that up to 65% of menopausal women experience some degree of genital dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. So just how common is painful intercourse after menopause?
The answer can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as age, lifestyle and medical history. Studies have found that during the perimenopausal period (the time leading up to menopause) up to 58% of women experienced penile-vaginal pain during sexual activity. Additionally, one study indicated that 45% of postmenopausal women reported experiencing chronic vulvar discomfort or pain.
The prevalence of painful intercourse in women beyond the menopausal transition is not well understood due solely to a lack of research in this area. However, it’s important for any woman experiencing pain during sex to understand what could be causing it and find effective treatments for it.
What Causes Painful Intercourse After Menopause?
There are several potential causes for painful intercourse after menopause. The most common cause is vaginal dryness due to declining estrogen levels. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the health and lubrication of the vaginal tissue and when levels decline, the vagina becomes drier, thinner and less elastic than usual, resulting in pain and soreness during penetration. This can be exacerbated by other hormonal shifts associated with menopause such as decreased testosterone production or lower progesterone levels which can also lead to reduced libido or arousal difficulties resulting in more discomfort during sex.
Other issues like itching, irritation or burning around the opening of the vagina can also occur as a result of physical changes that happen with aging - such as thinning skin - or conditions like urinary tract infections which can make intercourse uncomfortable or even impossible if left untreated.
Ways To Treat Painful Intercourse After Menopause
Fortunately there are many ways for women who experience painful intercourse after menopause to treat this condition both short-term and long-term:
Taking estrogen therapy: Estrogen creams or tablets taken orally or vaginally have been proven effective in addressing vaginal atrophy & restoring lubrication;a
Working with a pelvic health physiotherapist: These professionals specialize in diagnosing & treating pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence & pelvic pain disorders;
Consulting your doctor: Depending on your individual needs they may recommend different lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications or alternative treatments like acupuncture which may help reduce symptoms;
Visiting Testosterone Center : Testosterone Center ’s hormone replacement therapy (HRT) experts specialize in providing customized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs & goals ensuring they receive personalized care tailored specifically to them!
These measures will help address any physical contributing factors but it's also important for couples affected by this issue to discuss openly their feelings related to what is happening so that any unexpected emotional impacts are addressed as well. Working together with your partner you should be able to restore intimacy back into your relationship regardless of what stage you are at in life!