How To Increase Sex Drive during Menopause – Top Tips From an Expert
Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years. Mood changes, night sweats, low sex drive, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and reduced fertility characterize it. If you are above 45 years old, chances are you’ve noticed any of the symptoms, particularly low libido.
According to a study, more than half of menopausal women experience low sex drive. This change happens because of low estrogen levels in the body and can be linked to vaginal irritation and dryness.
While having less intercourse is natural as you age, you can still make some efforts to increase your libido and enjoy more intimate moments with your partner. So don’t worry if your sex life seems terrible now. Keep reading for more insights on what you can do to increase your sex drive during menopause and stay healthy.
Tip 1: Communicate With Your Partner
Communication is the first vital tip on how to increase sex drive during menopause. If your partner is still sexually active, you will let them know so that they can lower their expectations and be aware that there is nothing personal with your reduced sexual desire.
So, schedule a time when you and your partner are free and relaxed. It can be in bed, on the couch, or outdoors. Start the candid talk and allow them to give their opinions. Try to be as honest and open as possible so that they can understand your perspective.
Proper communication will help you readily understand each other and devise new ways of dealing with the change. Your partner will understand you better, you will feel less guilty, and there will be more mutual understanding.
Tip 2: Find a Solution for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is common in menopause because of the reduced estrogen production. When the levels of estrogen are low, the vaginal walls tend to dry, thin, and even become inflamed, and this may cause increased irritation during sexual intercourse.
Thankfully, there are treatment options for vaginal dryness, which include the use of lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. You can get most of the products without a prescription, although you may still get the go-ahead of your healthcare provider or recommendations on the best ones.
The lubricants reduce friction during intercourse. Most of them are applied inside the vagina, but they come with clear usage instructions which you should follow. On the other hand, moisturizers retain moisture in the vaginal tissues, and you can apply them every time after taking a bath.
In addition to lubricants and moisturizers, you can still take estrogen products which increase the level of your estrogen, allowing the vagina to lubricate itself naturally. These products are available in the form of pills and creams inserted into the vagina. Talk to your health provider about treating vaginal dryness to find the most effective treatment for you.
In some cases, discussing female libido medication with your healthcare provider can also be beneficial. These medications are specifically designed to help increase sexual desire and can be an effective part of your treatment plan.
Tip 3: Eat Healthily
Increasing libido at menopause can be challenging, and that’s why you should combine multiple strategies. Eating healthily is a top strategy you should observe even when you are treating vaginal dryness. Here are the top diet tips to consider:
- Eat libido-boosting fruits like avocados, bananas, and figs
- East plenty of chocolates- they contain serotonin, which enhances moods and can boost sex drive
- Take a glass of red wine daily
- Take plenty of apples
Consult a nutritionist first if you have an underlying health condition. The expert should help you come up with the best food products that you can take to enhance your sex drive in your senior years.
Tip 4: Exercise
Exercise is a great way to raise your sexual desire. The right workout increases blood flow to the genital areas, increasing libido. Besides, exercise gets rid of stress and anxiety, which are critical killers of sexual desire.
If you need to get into the mood during menopause, try sweating sessions to improve the experience. One great exercise that you can try is pelvic floor exercise which increases the ability of women to reach orgasms and enhances vaginal sensation during intercourse.
Other exercises include yoga, cardio, running, and weight lifting. Find the best exercise for your age and weight and start right away. Also, be sure to start small and increase the intensity with time.
Tip 5: Accept and Value Yourself
Appreciate yourself irrespective of the reduced sexual desire and body changes you may be going through in menopause. Your sex life may never be as thrilling as it was in your 20s, but you still have to appreciate the changes and value your body to spice up your sex life.
Stay clean, sleep enough, and find the things that arouse you. For instance, if you no longer reach an orgasm through vaginal penetration, you can try other ways, like using clitoral vibrators to help you reach orgasm. Understand what works for you at that age, and inform your partner about it to improve your sexual experience.
Tip 6: Talk to a Professional
At some point, you may need to consult a menopause specialist to give you a customized treatment plan. The expert may help you solve other personal issues you may be going through, like trauma, abusive marriage, body changes, or mood swings, which may be affecting your sex life in menopause. When talking to the specialist, be open and honest to develop a long-lasting solution.
Conclusion
Changes in sexual desires during menopause are pretty normal, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Do not let the stigma affect your self-esteem and make your sex life boring. Accept the situation, and talk to your partner about it.
Also, find practical solutions to vaginal dryness and do not feel embarrassed to discuss it. If all tactics don’t work, speak to a professional who will walk you through the journey and help you increase your sex drive in your senior age.
