Your body changes as you get older, which isn’t always for the better in terms of your sex life. You probably already know where we’re going with this if you’ve achieved menopause, which is defined as not having had a period in more than a year. Even while it hurts to realize that you might not respond in bed the same way you used to, know that intimacy is still possible. Postmenopausal symptoms can be managed, and we’ve learned how with the help of some truly incredible lubricants. So if you want to have some fun, keep reading!
Menopause alters sex
However, you already are aware of this. That’s because, especially downstairs, the change from premenopause to postmenopause may be rather noticeable to you. You might observe, for instance, that your vagina is drier than usual. According to Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified gynecologist at NYU Langone who specializes in menopause and the director of Global Women’s Health in NYU’s College of Global Public Health, this indicates that “the vaginal tissue that is normally very estrogen-rich is decreasing in terms of that estrogen content.” Less estrogen might lead to uncomfortable intercourse if there is insufficient lubrication. Therefore, you should ask one who does it well for help. You should also be aware that not just any lube will work now that you’ve entered menopause.
Certain lubes function better than others.
According to Dr. Shirazian, you should normally look for a lubricant that adheres better to the walls of your vagina. To put it another way, anything that won’t wash off easily or that must be repeatedly applied, though it’s entirely fine to do so! This refers to lubricants with silicone bases and those containing hyaluronic acid.
But even if you’re not particularly dry, Dr. Shirazian advises using water-based lubricants if you still need their help. Just be careful to stay away from products with chlorhexidine, which is known to kill lactobacilli, the bacteria that are essential for infection prevention and maintaining vaginal health. Glycerin is another popular water-based substance that you might want to stay away from because it can irritate your skin.
There are more hormone alternatives.
You might want to think about utilizing a topical estrogen, which is available as a cream, suppository, ring, and pill, in addition to using lubricant. According to Howard Zacur, MD, PhD, professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, estrogen topicals may be the most successful treatment since they replenish the estrogen that postmenopausal women are missing. If you wish to attempt this procedure, talk about your options with your OBGYN. If you both determine that this is the best course of action for you, they will write you a prescription.
An OBGYN Gives a Quick Overview of Orgasms at Every Age
At SheKnows, our goal is to empower and inspire women, and we only highlight goods we know you’ll adore just as much as we do. Please be aware that we might get a small commission from any purchases you make after clicking a link in this article.
Here are the top lubes to try for sex after menopause without further ado:
Foria.
Try this organic, all-natural, plant-based choice if you feel more than just a little discomfort when performing the deed. Oh, and did I mention it contains CBD? When used topically, CBD has been shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Shirazian advises that you test it initially on a location other than your vag. She claims that women can also develop sensitivities to those particular botanicals.
Caption: Champ.
Champ is a newbie to the field of sexual health, and we wish we had had it sooner. In addition to offering excellent (and covert!) condoms, the company also sells a water-based lubricant designed specifically for people with delicate skin. The nicest part is that it won’t stain, so you can keep your sheets looking brand new. It is extremely soft.
Uberlube
This vegan solution is silicone-based, free of glycerin and parabens, and contains extra vitamin E to soothe skin without leaving behind a greasy film. Additionally, according to Lisa Finn, brand manager and sex educator at sex toy store Babeland, its thin and smooth texture doesn’t dry out rapidly, making it “ideal for people experiencing more severe vaginal dryness induced by menopause.”
Maude
Underwater use is especially ideal for Maude’s Shine Lubricant, which is paraben-free. Bonus: It comes in really stylish packaging that is both covert and elegant when displayed on your bedside.
LOLA.
The LOLA brand, which initially transformed the market for period products, now offers a velvety lubricant produced with all-natural ingredients like 100% organic aloe leaf extract. It is hypoallergenic, gynecologist-recommended, and features a one-click pump so you can use it quickly.
Saline Satin
According to Finn, this water-based lubricant was created expressly to “help reduce regular or intermittent vaginal dryness.” Its combination of vitamin E, aloe vera, and carrageenan provides long-lasting hydration, which helped it reach the finals for XBiz’s Sexual Wellness Product of the Year.
Replens
In this situation, the adage “less is more” seems appropriate. Just two components make up this silicone-based lubricant, which is long-lasting and “silky-smooth” to provide you with the satisfying sex session you deserve.
Platinum Wet
This silicone-based waterproof lube is ideal for the situation if you want to move your session into the bathtub. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved it as being compatible with all condom materials.
Premarin
Only a doctor can prescribe this estrogen-based ointment, but boy is it worth it! It was created especially to address menopause-related symptoms such painful intercourse, reduced vaginal flow, and dry vaginal areas. So, if over-the-counter lubricants—including our CBD alternative—really aren’t working for you, Dr. Zacur advises speaking with your doctor about Premarin (or another estrogen option).
You May Also Like: