1) What is Menopause?
Menopause, one of the most important periods in a woman's life, usually means that menstrual periods become irregular between the ages of 40 and 55, and then menstruation stops completely. If a woman does not menstruate for about 12 months after her menstrual periods become irregular, she is considered to have entered menopause. With the transition to this period, the ovaries no longer function.
2) What are the causes of sexual problems in menopause?
Women who enter menopause experience many physical and psychological changes. There are significant changes in the body and hormone levels. The changes and sexual problems that occur during this period are due to the decrease in the woman's hormone levels as a result of the decrease in the functions of her ovaries.
3) Which hormones' levels decrease?
The decrease in the secretion levels of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and progesterone after entering menopause can be considered the cause of changes in the body and sexual problems.
4) Changes in the sexual organs during menopause
The lips and the clitoris located on the outer and inner parts of the vagina shrink.
Hair in the genital area decreases.
The vaginal entrance narrows.
The elasticity of the vagina and the elasticity of the entrance decrease over time. The layer inside the vagina becomes thinner.
The lubrication of the vagina decreases.
Vagina color becomes pale
The uterus shrinks and the thickness of its inner lining decreases.
The ovaries shrink.
5) Changing body structure
Factors such as wrinkles, weight gain, loss of flexibility, and changes in the physical structure of the body that begin with menopause may give the feeling that sexual attraction has been lost. However, these problems are not the end of sexuality. It is possible to have sex comfortably during this period without the risk of pregnancy.
6) Most common complaints
Decreased sexual desire (low libido)
Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal dryness
Difficulty in orgasm
Decreased sensitivity in the genital area
7) Orgasmic capacity
Contrary to popular belief, orgasm capacity does not decrease during menopause. The time it takes to reach orgasm may only be extended due to changes in the vagina. This can be described as difficulty in orgasm. However, vaginal dryness can be resolved with menopause treatment.
8) Fear of pregnancy due to menstrual irregularity
Fear of pregnancy due to irregular menstrual periods can cause sexual reluctance and tension in women. You need to consult your doctor to overcome this tension and evaluate protection methods.
9) Changes in sexual life during menopause
Although it is thought that sexuality will decrease or end with entering menopause, this situation is actually caused by psychological factors that come with menopause. Menopause is not a process in which sexuality ends.
10) How do psychological concerns affect sexuality during menopause?
A woman who feels that her sexual attraction has disappeared may also lose interest in sexuality. The physiology that changes due to menopause can be resolved with menopause treatment. This period should not be considered the end of womanhood. In addition, menopause is not the beginning of aging. Being aware of this change, sexuality can be experienced more freely and without the risk of pregnancy during menopause.
11) Can sexual problems that begin with menopause be treated?
It is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor for sexuality and other problems that occur during menopause. There are many different treatments and methods to prevent sexual problems during this period. In addition to these treatments, positive mood, women feeling good, sports, healthy and proper nutrition will have positive effects on sexual life.
12) What are the treatment methods?
Hormone therapy prevents sexual problems, vaginal dryness and low sexual desire that occur during this period. Local suppository creams and gels help to eliminate complaints such as vaginal dryness. Exercises to strengthen the vaginal wall will reduce complaints during sexual intercourse.
13) What is hormone therapy?
Most of the problems during menopause occur due to the lack of estrogen hormone. The aim of hormone therapy is to meet the estrogen hormone that is missing in women and secreted less from outside. Hormone therapy is actually a replacement treatment, that is, replacing the missing one.
14) Effects of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy has many beneficial effects for a woman in menopause, beyond sexuality. Some of these are; it restores sexual desire, relieves vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. It eliminates hot flashes, corrects sleep disorders. It also tries to prevent depression. It prevents urinary incontinence.
15) When should hormone therapy be started?
For patients who enter menopause with surgical interventions, hormone therapy can be started 10-15 days after surgery. However, your doctor will determine the most appropriate time.
16) Psychological support during menopause
If a woman entering menopause is feeling excessively anxious and worried about this issue, she can seek psychological support or sexual therapy. This professional help will be very useful in getting through it more easily.
17) How to activate sexual life during menopause?
If necessary, psychological support should be provided and sexual therapy should be received. Local and oral drug treatments can be used for vaginal dryness and irritation complaints. Libido-enhancing drugs can be used. However, such drugs should be used under the advice of a doctor.
18) Do not hesitate to consult your doctor!
Never hesitate to consult your doctor. There are answers to all your questions and solutions to all the problems brought about by menopause.
19) Talk to Your Spouse!
Communication between couples becomes more important during the woman's menopause. Healthy and effective communication will help to get through this process more easily.
20) Menopause is a new beginning!
It should be known that there will be a decrease in sexual desire during menopause. This is an adaptation period brought about by a new physiological period. Menopause is not a process in which femininity ends or sexuality is no longer experienced. If menopause symptoms reduce the quality of life, menopause treatment can be started and the symptoms can be relieved.
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