Growing Wise
Stay informed to prevent physical or hormonal changes from putting a damper on your sex life.
As we age, changes in our lives, our relationships and our bodies can be expected. However, the changes that occur during menopause don't have to have a negative effect on our sexual health.
Joyce Glisson, Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sexual Health Therapist, University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), says the women she helps at the UMHS center for sexual health have a few concerns in common
Menopause May Contribute To:
- Lowered sex drive and loss of libido -- If everything else (mental health, physical health) is normal, chances are that menopause could be responsible for lowering your sex drive.
- Painful intercourse -- The loss of hormones can lead to vaginal atrophy. If over-the-counter lubrication, or a vaginal moisturizer doesn't help, talk to your health care provider about possible hormone therapy.
- Fatigue -- Low estrogen may cause hot flashes and other interruptions in your usual sleep patterns.
- Decrease in self-esteem -- Sometimes women experience weight gain and other body changes during menopause that result in lowered body image or self esteem.
Whether you identify with one or more of the issues on the above list, it is important to know that you can get help. "You should be able to have healthy sexuality and intimacy as long as you want it," says Glisson. "If you are having concerns or difficulties, there is help."
Change Your Approach
Glisson and her colleagues provide support, education and information for better sexual health. Some of the changes of menopause can be overcome by the following actions:
- Women who have a lack of sexual desire may find that engaging in a sexual experience often leads to development of sexual desire.
- Look at sexuality differently. Take more time. Expand your repertoire.
- Some women find that adjusting their lifestyle to exercise more or modifying their diet can combat the changes of menopause (weight gain, fatigue, etc.).
- Don't underestimate the importance of communication. Either partner may feel embarrassed or frustrated about life changes. Communication can help work through those concerns.
Contact the center for sexual health at 734-763-4963 to make an appointment, to find out if your insurance covers an appointment or to learn about the sliding scale for the uninsured.
Improving Your Sexual Health As You Age
Don't ignore the importance of intimacy, love and sexual pleasure for well-being.
Make quality time with your partner a priority.
Learn more about the emotional and physical aspects of sexual response.
Discuss changes and share suggestions with your partner.
Become more comfortable with each other and enjoy the freedom to express your desires.
This article appeared in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Women's Health. You can read the issue online.
Reading list
Where Did I Leave My Glasses? by Martha Weinman Lear
The Body Image Workbook: An 8-Step Program for Learning to Like Your Looks by Thomas Cash
Sex Matters for Women: Taking Care of Your Sexual Self by Sallie Foley, Sally Kope, Dennis Sugrue
Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing the Loss of Sexual Intimacy by Keith Laken and Virginia Laken
Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause by The Boston Women's Health Book Collective
