Menopause Symptoms: discomfort during intercourse
Explore each Menopause symptom in depth on our Menopause Pages!
Discomfort during sex is a common symptom of menopause. Hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness and other issues that may cause discomfort. It's essential to explore solutions and treatments to enhance sexual well-being during this phase.
Dyspareunia, or painful vaginal sex, is a common condition that can affect many women, particularly those who are postmenopausal and not on hormone therapy. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of women in this group experience this issue.
Dyspareunia is generally categorized into three types: superficial pain, deep pain, or a combination of both. Superficial pain, often described as sharp or burning, occurs during vaginal penetration, while deep pain is felt during deeper penetration or thrusting. For some women, the condition is temporary, but for others, it may become a chronic issue and might even lead to vaginal atrophy.
Painful intercourse after menopause is linked to the natural decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal change can cause vaginal tissues to become less elastic, more fragile, and more prone to discomfort, tearing, or bleeding during sexual activity or pelvic exams. Additionally, reduced estrogen levels may lead to urinary issues, further contributing to discomfort during intimacy. Inactivity in sexual relationships can also exacerbate the loss of tissue health and elasticity over time.
As your estrogen levels decrease, it can also affect the body’s natural response to sexual arousal. The tissue in and around the vagina may not fill with blood as efficiently, which can reduce lubrication and make arousal take longer or feel less intense. This change might also lead to a decrease in spontaneous sexual desire over time.
Sexual discomfort or pain can also result from a variety of physical, emotional, or medical factors. Issues such as injury, trauma from childbirth or surgery, or accidents can contribute to this problem. Skin conditions like eczema or lichen sclerosus, as well as infections in the genital or urinary tract, may also lead to painful intercourse. Vaginismus, a condition involving involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles, can make penetration painful or even impossible. Additionally, certain medications, including antidepressants and drugs for high blood pressure, can cause vaginal dryness, further complicating sexual activity.
Emotional and psychological factors play a role as well. Stress, fear of intimacy, body image concerns, and relationship difficulties can all impact sexual pleasure. Physical conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or scarring from surgery or radiation treatments may cause pain during deep penetration or specific positions.
If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s important to know that solutions are available. Estrogen and synthetic estrogen is the first place to head if experiencing any of the symptoms caused by lowering estrogen levels.
You can also discuss your symptoms with your doctor, especially if you require additional estrogen assistance through the form of medication. Both estrogen tablets and creams can really make a difference to your vaginal health so it is well worth the discussion with your doctor. They can help evaluate your situation and even refer you to a specialist who can address the underlying causes and help you find relief.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective approach to addressing painful sex caused by tight or tender pelvic floor muscles, a common issue during menopause. This specialized therapy, conducted by a trained professional, focuses on relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, your therapist may guide you through vaginal dilation exercises using a lubricated dilator, which can help gently stretch and condition the tissues, further reducing pain and improving comfort.
Read more about the Pelvic Floor Muscles and how Pelvic Floor Exercises can help you with painful pelvic floor muscles!
Explore each Menopause symptom in depth on our Menopause Pages!
Join our Mailing List for Updates on Menopause Health: