During the menopause, not only our lives change, but we also change, both physically and mentally. Postmenopausal sex can be disrupted by: vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and vaginal atrophy. How to deal with these problems?
Changes that occur in the periodmenopausein the genitourinary system are caused by a deficiency of estrogens. Atrophic (or atrophic) changes concern the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes and urethra, bladder and breast. These can affect libido and quality ofsex .
Menopause: how the genitals change
The vaginal mucosa and its vestibule become thin, pale and inelastic. The vestibule of the vagina becomes narrower. The secretion of cervical mucus is also reduced, which causes a feeling of dryness. At the same time, the production of lactic acid, which is responsible for the normal acidity of the vagina, is inhibited. Disturbances in the balance of bacterial flora favor the development of the so-called atrophic inflammation manifested by discharge, unpleasant itching, pain during intercourse, and sometimes abnormal bleeding. The same happens in the bladder and urethra, which causes urinary tract infections. You may also experience pain when urinating. The past births, often also hard physical work and the lack of estrogens weaken the pelvic floor muscles. The first symptom is a feeling of pressure or weight in the lower abdomen. The consequence may be the lowering or prolapse of the uterus.
What you can do
The atrophy changes build up gradually, but it cannot be expected that they will subside or remain unnoticeable. If you do nothing, they will get worse. Therefore, you should immediately seek help from a gynecologist or urologist. You can also do a lot yourself. Begin by doing Kegel exercises, which involve contracting your pelvic floor muscles as often as possible, for example by interrupting the urine stream, preferably several times in one toilet visit. You will feel which muscles are working and learn to tighten them. Daily hygiene with the use of washing liquids (but not excessively) and moisturizing creams will protect against infections.
ProblemMature contraception
Many women approaching the menopause still fear pregnancy and use over-the-counter vaginal preparations orcondoms. There is another option - oral contraception with a low dose of hormones, mainly estrogens. By using it, a woman achieves two benefits - she protects herself against unwanted pregnancy and effectively removes troublesome symptoms. So if you want to continue enjoying sex carefree, ask your doctor about the appropriate measures.
Menopause: Urinary Incontinence
It is associated with atrophic processes in the genitourinary organs.Urinary incontinenceforces you to wear sanitary napkins. This ailment is about 25 percent. postmenopausal women, but only a few report to a doctor.
What you can do
First of all, tell the gynecologist about your problem. It is a disease like any other, there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you see your doctor in good time (e.g. in the premenopausal period), he or she will suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You will feel an improvement immediately after using it. The use of vaginal preparations with estriol is also effective. After 2-3 weeks there is an improvement. If the treatment is not effective, electrostimulation or weight-bearing exercises can be used. If this also fails, the doctor proposes a surgical correction of the position of the bladder.
Menopause and sex
Sometimes during the menopause, interest in sex decreases. Due to physiological changes, depression, feeling less attractive - the bedroom is the last place a woman wants to go. Vaginal pain or dryness is at the root of this behavior. Meanwhile, sex can be very attractive because it is free from the fear of unwanted pregnancy. It promotes physical and mental he alth.
What you can do
Change the times of taking medications that reduce interest in sex. Tell your partner that you need more caresses to get yourself going for good.
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