Coping With Menopausal Changes

Menopause Causes changes in Intimate health

Key highlights or summary

  • Vaginal dryness and decreased libido are common intimate health challenges during menopause.
  • Lubricants, moisturizers, and estrogen therapy can help manage vaginal dryness.
  • Open communication with your partner is key to addressing decreased libido.
  • Pelvic floor exercises and hydration can alleviate genital sensitivity and urinary incontinence.
  • Managing emotional changes through exercise, mindfulness, and therapy can improve both physical and emotional intimacy.

Meet our expert

Meet our expert

Rate our article

We'd love to know!

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

How was the experience with article?

We'd love to know!

  1. Scavello, I., Maseroli, E., Di Stasi, V., & Vignozzi, L. (2019). Sexual Health in Menopause. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(9), 559.
  2. Caruso S., Rapisarda A.M., Cianci S. Sexuality in menopausal women. Curr. Opin. Psychiatry. 2016;29:323–330.  
  3. DiBonaventura M., Luo X., Moffatt M., Bushmakin A.G., Kumar M., Bobula J. The association between vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms and quality of life among postmenopausal women in the United States and western Europe. J. Womens Health. 2015;24:713–722.  
  4. Nappi R.E., Nijland E.A. Women’s perception of sexuality around the menopause: Outcomes of a European telephone survey. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 2008;137:10–16.
  5. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms

Frequently asked questions

Get the information you need.

Use lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and consider local estrogen therapy to alleviate discomfort.

Hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone, can reduce sexual desire.

Yes, mood swings, anxiety, and stress can impact both physical and emotional intimacy.

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping with urinary incontinence and improving sexual health.

Yes, urinary incontinence is common due to weakened pelvic muscles during menopause.

Focus on emotional intimacy, engage in non-sexual forms of closeness, and communicate openly about your needs.

HRT can help alleviate symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes but isn’t necessary for everyone. Consult with your healthcare provider for advice.

Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can cause the labia and vulva to become thinner, and the vaginal opening may shrink.