We can’t deny that sex in midlife has some challenges. Hormones and lifestyle changes may affect desire, cause dryness and pain or difficulty having an orgasm. There are options that are available that may help women improve their sexual health and orgasms.
What can women do to improve their sex life? A 2021 Harvard report explained that estrogen and testosterone affect our libido. “While estrogen levels drop sharply at menopause, testosterone levels decline slowly and steadily with age. Woman whose ovaries are removed before menopause often experience a dramatic loss of libido.” HRT may be able to address many of the hormonal changes.
What happens when the lack of libido is due to an illness, a side effect of medications, or personal emotional struggles including anxiety and depression? This is where that uncomfortable conversation with your physician becomes critical. Many anxiety and depression medications lower you libido or make it harder for you to have an orgasm. There are alternatives that doctors can try which may work for your mental health but not lower your sexual desire. Unfortunately, the Harvard article also confirmed that the “pink pill” (Addyi), which was created to improve women’s libido, has been shown to offer minimal improvements for perimenopausal women and has some uncomfortable side effects. Please check with your doctor for more information.
What about stress? We recently spoke with OBGYN and functional specialist Dr. Julianne Arena. She explained that stress can take a huge toll on the body, especially during menopause. It’s created by cortisol, a hormone from our adrenal glands that creates the “fight or flight” response in our bodies. Dr. Arena described hormones like a symphony; they all have to be balanced and working together. When cortisol levels are off because of stress, the entire body is affected. Nutrition and sleep are two big factors to helping alleviate stress. Along with ensuring you’re getting enough nutrients, you should also create a sleep routine to help relax your body. An hour or so before you go to sleep, turn off all screens. Instead of using your phone or computer, reading or taking an Epsom salt bath will help you calm down and fall asleep faster.
Painful intercourse is also a problem that lessens the sex drive for many women. As Harvard reports, “Dyspareunia—pain during intercourse—affects about half of postmenopausal women and is one of the most common reasons women shy away from sex.” Pain may be caused by vaginal atrophy, urogenital inflammation, or chronic conditions and treatments. The Mayo Clinic recommends options including vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, low dose estrogen cream, and DHEA.
There are a few procedures that may help women increase sexual drive and improve orgasms. Dr. Arena explained 2 options:
- The O Shot is a procedure where blood is drawn from your arm and platelet rich plasma, a part of the blood that houses growth factors and stem cells, is removed. After administering a strong numbing protocol, the doctor then re-injects the plasma into the clitoris and vagina to improve sexual health and bladder health. The patient may notice stronger and more frequent orgasms, smoother vulva skin and increased natural lubrication and sensation.
- Cliovana is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to improve blood flow and nerve endings to the clitoral area and bladder health. This procedure may help with increased arousal and lubrication, increased orgasm intensity and frequency and greater overall sexual satisfaction.
While the procedures are not covered by insurance, both the O Shot and Cliovana have their own websites and places where you can find a provider in your area to schedule an appointment. Clitoral stimulation devices and vibrators are also options for increasing orgasms.
When it comes to talking about our bodies, Dr. Arena has noticed that there is less shame surrounding sexual health, and she always makes sure to have important and personal conversations about sexual health with her patients. Knowledge is power and don’t be afraid to talk to you doctor about options for better sex and orgasms. You may just be glad that you did.
FULL EPISODE LINK: BETTER ORGASMS WITH DR. JULIANNE ARENA