Wang Qin (pseudonym) is 54 years old and recently went through menopause. For the past two years, she has been troubled by the fact that she experiences pain every time she has intercourse with her husband, unlike before when it was not as comfortable. As a result, she has developed a fear of sex and is increasingly worried about her husband asking her to have sex.
In daily life, many postmenopausal women, like Wang Qin, are troubled by their sex life. For their husbands, sex is a normal physiological need, but for them, it is a kind of "torture".
Why do postmenopausal women not want to have sex? Next, Xiao Jiu will talk to you about it.
Why do women go through menopause?
Menopause is a normal physiological phenomenon, and every woman will inevitably experience this stage in her life. The timing of menopause varies greatly from person to person; some women experience it earlier, and some later. According to He Chunni, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army, the normal age for menopause in women is between 45 and 55 years old . During this age range, as ovarian function declines, menstruation gradually ceases until the woman enters menopause.
When women enter menopause, they inevitably experience menopausal syndrome , commonly known as menopause. Menopausal syndrome refers to a series of physical and psychological symptoms caused by fluctuations or decreases in sex hormones before and after menopause. Women in this stage most commonly experience symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating, menstrual irregularities, palpitations, mood swings, and lower back pain .
Menopause does not mean the end of sexual activity.
Many postmenopausal women believe that entering menopause and losing their fertility also means losing their sexual function. This is incorrect . Menopause doesn't mean the end of sexual activity; after all, it's one way to maintain a relationship.
Postmenopausal women fear or refuse sexual activity because libido significantly decreases during this stage, secretions decrease, and the skin becomes dry and narrowed, making intercourse painful . In addition, psychological factors also play a role; most postmenopausal women are averse to sexual activity, believing it's only for younger people and feeling ashamed of their age.
However, for postmenopausal women, maintaining a regular and healthy sex life is important for both physical health and family harmony. Therefore, women should eliminate any psychological aversion to such activities.
During menopause, husbands should offer understanding and encouragement to their wives , alleviating their fears and providing appropriate lubricant use. In addition, postmenopausal women are more susceptible to urinary tract and vaginal infections due to weakened immune systems; if any infection occurs, prompt treatment is necessary.
Postmenopausal women should pay attention to these points regarding their sex life.
For postmenopausal women, the discomfort associated with sexual activity can be frightening. However, this discomfort can be avoided. It is recommended to pay attention to the following four points:
1. Make thorough preparations beforehand.
Husbands should be more considerate of their wives, extend the pre-coital time, and try their best to motivate their wives.
2. Improve conditions if necessary.
Postmenopausal women often experience a drop in estrogen levels, making it difficult to achieve a state of lubrication. Therefore, using lubricants during intercourse can help reduce pain.
3. Maintain moderation
Studies have shown that among elderly people of the same age, those who maintain regular sexual activity have better reproductive health and overall physical condition than those who completely abstain from sexual activity. Therefore, postmenopausal women are advised not to be afraid of sex, but rather to maintain a moderate approach.
4. Supplement with appropriate amounts of estrogen
After menopause, the lack of estrogen in the body leads to genital atrophy and reduced secretions, resulting in friction pain. In this case, estrogen supplementation may be appropriate. It is important to note that estrogen should ideally be used under the guidance of a doctor, and should never be used without medical supervision.
In short, even after menopause, you shouldn't give up sex. Although postmenopausal discomfort may occur due to hormonal fluctuations, this discomfort can be alleviated.
References:
[1]. "Later Menopause is Not Always Better for Women: Remember These Four Key Tips to Delay Aging." China Women's News. 2019-07-22
[2]. Menopausal Syndrome: Five Common Symptoms. Chongqing Daily. 2017-11-06
[3]. Ma Hongxia. What should women pay attention to if they have premature menopause? [J]. Health and Life, 2012(1): 25-25.
[4]. Wu Yu. Menopause shouldn't mean the end of life [J]. Health Preservation Guide: Health of Middle-aged and Elderly, 2015: 88.
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