Menopause & Sex: Sexual Wellness for Menopausal Women from our Healthcare Partner, Dr. Shannon Chavez

We all know about the hot flashes and mood swings – but menopause can often introduce other sexual wellness concerns that many women struggle with.

While some women sail through menopause relatively unscathed, others may experience painful sex due to vulvovaginal atrophy or loss of sexual desire.

Read on and learn more about the most common sexual health concerns for women during menopause.

Myths About Menopause

There’s a common misperception that sexual interest decreases with age. However, when I talk to women in my practice, they are expressing sexual needs and desire, before and after menopause, but have difficulty communicating with a partner about the changes they are experiencing and expressed sexual desires don’t always translate in the bedroom.

Unfortunately, myths about women and menopause are deeply embedded in our culture. We’re led to believe that it’s normal for a woman’s sex drive to decline after menopause. There are a number of emotional and physical factors that can prevent women from enjoying sex.

“So why aren’t women talking about painful sex?”

The Truth About Menopause

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) due to menopause is the main cause of vaginal dryness. It can cause pain, sensitivity, and irritation during sexual activity, which is why many women avoid sex – not always due to a lack of sexual desire.

When sex is painful, it creates a disconnection with your partner and can affect your body image and sexual self-esteem.

I work with women to break down the stigma around menopause and encourage them to make sexual health a priority. Sometimes women feel ashamed of these concerns and do not want to discuss it– but it is more common than not and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Menopause is a natural part of aging!

Here are some important facts:

• 32 million menopausal women in the U.S. experience vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or vaginal dryness as a result of decreasing estrogen levels
• There are millions of women faced with painful sex due to menopause, yet only 22% of postmenopausal women age 50+ have discussed sexual issues with a doctor

If you’re one of the millions of women living with sexual concerns due to menopause, talk to your doctor. There are solutions for treatment.

Read more at Dr. Shannon Chavez.