Menopause is a natural part of life for women, and it can bring about changes in sexual desire. Although many women may still have the desire to have sex after menopause, they may not be as passionate as they were in their 20s. The loss of estrogen and testosterone after menopause can cause changes in a woman's body and sexual desire. Menopausal and postmenopausal women may notice that they don't get aroused as easily and may be less sensitive to touch.
This can lead to a lower interest in sex. However, some postmenopausal women report that their sexual desire has improved. This could be due to lower anxiety related to fear of pregnancy, or because they have fewer responsibilities in raising children, allowing them to relax and enjoy intimacy with their partners. Vaginal dryness can be treated with water-soluble lubricants such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly.
Don't use lubricants that aren't water-soluble, such as petroleum jelly, because they can weaken latex, the material used to make condoms. You or your partner should continue using condoms until your doctor confirms that you are no longer ovulating and to avoid contracting an STI. Non-water-soluble lubricants can also provide a medium for bacterial growth, particularly in a person whose immune system has been weakened by chemotherapy. Menopause and postmenopause don't protect against STDs.
You can get an STD at any time during your life when you're sexually active. This risk does not decrease with age or with changes in the reproductive system. If left untreated, some STDs can cause serious illness, while others, such as HIV, cannot be cured and can be fatal. Being in a new relationship may cause an increase in libido, but after a while the shine starts to wear off and you may need to work hard.
Although a glass of wine can increase your libido, drinking too much can make it difficult to achieve orgasm. Switching to bupropion (Wellbutrin) helps some women, although it may not completely restore the loss of libido. Usually, you'll need to keep using vaginal estrogen, as symptoms are likely to return when treatment is stopped. As the first drug approved to stimulate female libido, it has been shown to only slightly improve sexual satisfaction in some women and is intended to be prescribed only to premenopausal women.
Since there are many options available, your doctor can help you find one that keeps your blood pressure low without decreasing your libido. Some studies have shown that systemic hormone replacement therapy can improve libido and sexual responsiveness in women, although it may take three to six months before it is fully effective.
