It is often assumed that women who have gone through the menopause have also ceased all sexual activity and desire, which is not necessarily the case at all. Many women continue to have regular sex well in to their sixties and seventies and even beyond.
However, sexual needs vary from woman to woman after menopause as they do at any other time. Whilst for some low libido is not an issue, for others it is very important and fustrating.
So what causes low libido? Libido is a complex issue because it is such a strange mixture of head, heart and hormones. There are many factors that can affect it which include lower oestrogen levels during menopause, the effects of ageing, stress and even pain during intercourse to name a few. Because so many women are hesitant to speak to their GP about libido, it is a hugely underestimated problem.
Whilst libido is not a quick and simple problem to address, there are lots of things that you can do to help yourself. Here are some top tips that our resident womens health specialist, Sarah Van Thiel, suggests:
1. Talk to your partner about your concerns. They may not understand why you don't feel like having sex.
2. Find other ways to feel close to your partner without actually having sex. Cuddling, holding hands, massaging, kissing...
3. Take time to do things you enjoy together like walking, going to the cinema, taking up a hobby together.
4. Make sure you feel comfortable before having sex. Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common menopause symptoms and can make sex very painful. Using a good quality lubricant or if required, a topical oestrogen cream (speak to your GP) can relieve the discomfort easily and quickly allowing you to enjoy sex again.
5. Create a romantic setting - get yourself in the mood.
6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
7. Take regular exercise
If symptoms persist, we would advise you to talk to your GP as there are other treatments available like psychosexual counselling and hormone replacement therapy which may be worth exploring.
